What question did this study set out to answer?

To substantiate the contributions of Molodenkov and Sapunkov in finding exact solutions for the optimal turn problem of spacecraft.

March 15, 2026

On the priority in obtaining the new class of exact solutions to the optimal turn problem of a spherically symmetric rigid body

Key Points

To substantiate the contributions of Molodenkov and Sapunkov in finding exact solutions for the optimal turn problem of spacecraft.
Comparison of existing literature on the optimal turn problem.
Analysis of angular velocity vector functions and their implications for spacecraft motion.
Identified new exact solutions for the optimal turn problem in spherically symmetric spacecraft.
Demonstrated prior work was not original, highlighting the significance of energy consumption in maneuvers.

Abstract

The priority of A.V. Molodenkov and Ya.G. Sapunkov in obtaining the new class of exact solutions to the optimal turn problem of a spherically symmetric rigid body or a spacecraft considered as a solid is substantiated. It is shown that the article by A.N. Sirotin “A Family of Extremal Angular Velocity Vector Functions with a Constant Absolute Value in the Problem of Optimal Reorientation of a Spherically Symmetric Body with Minimal Energy Consumption, Mechanics of Solids. 2019. V. 54. № 4. P. 502–513” repeats the article by A.V. Molodenkov and Ya.G. Sapunkov “Analytical solution of the optimal slew problem of a spherically symmetric spacecraft in the class of conical motion. Journal of Computer and Systems Sciences International. 2013. V. 52. № 3. P. 491–501” according to its results.

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On the priority in obtaining the new class of exact solutions to the optimal turn problem of a spherically symmetric rigid body

Key Points

Abstract

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