Abstract:Based on the combination of a tangential impulse maneuver and a constant continuous radial thrust maneuver, a new strategy for space V-bar rendezvous was presented. The absolute and relative motions of the chaser in combined maneuvers were investigated when it maintains its initial circular orbit. Then the guidance rules of space rendezvous V-bar approach and final translation were derived respectively. For V-bar approach, the chaser makes straight line motion at constant velocity while no constraints need to be considered in the transfer duration and line of sight, resulting in a flexible transfer in time. For V-bar final translation, the chaser's straight line motion is switched from a higher constant speed to a smaller docking velocity at the given position. The process is easy to guide and control, satisfying the requirement of the chaser's transfer to be straight and safe.