Trajectory correction maneuver design based on B-plane targeting for low-thruster
For the interplanetary mission, the spacecraft must require the trajectory correction maneuver (TCM) to reduce the trajectory error due to the influence of unexpected external perturbation forces. There are many kinds of researches focused on these TCM techniques for the impulsive thrust. Among them, the B-plane targeting method is mainly applied to the interplanetary mission as TCM method. However, there are brilliant developments in the propulsion systems; especially the electrical propulsion system is adopted in some spacecraft. Thus, it is necessary to design the TCM algorithm for such low-thruster for future interplanetary missions. Therefore, in this paper, the TCM algorithm for the low thrust such like electrical propulsion system is suggested to correct the target B-vector and target time to closest approach (TCA). To design the low thrust guidance scheme, the Lyapunov feedback control is used in this paper.
LYAPUNOV-BASED TRANSFER BETWEEN ELLIPTIC KEPLERIAN ORBITS
We present a study of the transfer of satellites between elliptic Keplerian orbits using Lyapunov stability theory specific to this problem. The construction of Lyapunov functions is based on the fact that a non-degenerate Keplerian orbit is uniquely described by its angular momentum and Laplace (- Runge-Lenz) vectors. We suggest a Lyapunov function, which gives a feedback controller such that the target elliptic orbit becomes a locally asymptotically stable periodic orbit in the closed-loop dynamics. We show how to perform a global transfer between two arbitrary elliptic orbits based on the local transfer result. Finally, a second Lyapunov function is presented that works only for circular target orbits.
Definitions of efficiency
This is the third in a series of occasional notes on economics

Decision makers are increasingly faced with the challenge of reconciling growing demand for health care services with available funds.1 Economists argue that the achievement of (greater) efficiency from scarce resources should be a major criterion for priority setting. This note examines three concepts of efficiency: technical, productive, and allocative.

Efficiency measures whether healthcare resources are being used to get the best value for money.1 Health care can be seen an intermediate product, in the sense of being a means to the end of improved health. Efficiency is concerned with the relation between resource inputs (costs, in the form of labour, capital, or equipment) and either intermediate outputs (numbers treated, waiting time, etc) or final health outcomes (lives saved, life years gained, quality adjusted life years (QALYs)). Although many evaluations use intermediate outputs as a measure of effectiveness, this can …