Optimization of Low Thrust Trajectories With Terminal Aerocapture

Abstract

This thesis explores using a direct pseudospectral method for the solution of optical control problems with mixed dynamics. An easy to use MATLAB optimization package known as DIDO is used to obtain the solutions. The modeling of both low thrust interplanetary trajectories as well as aerocapture trajectories is detailed and the solutions for low thrust minimum time and minimum fuel trajectories are explored with particular emphasis on verification of the optimality of the obtained solution. Optimal aerocapture trajectories are solved for rotating atmospheres over a range of arrival V- infinities. Solutions are obtained using various performance indexes including minimum fuel, minimum heat load, and minimum total aerocapture mass. Finally, the problem formulation and solutions for the mixed dynamic problem of low thrust trajectories with a terminal aerocapture maneuver is addressed yielding new trajectories maximizing the total scientific mass at arrival. This thesis explores using a direct pseudospectral method for the solution of optimal control problems with mixed dynamics. An easy to use MATLAB optimization package known as DIDO is used to obtain the solutions. The modeling of both low thrust interplanetary trajectories as well as aerocapture trajectories is detailed and the solutions for low thrust minimum time and minimum fuel trajectories are explored with particular emphasis on verification of the optimality of the obtained solution. Optimal aerocapture trajectories are solved for rotating atmospheres over a range of arrival V-infinities. Solutions are obtained using various performance indexes including minimum fuel, minimum heat load, and minimum total aerocapture mass. Finally, the problem formulation and solutions for the mixed dynamic problem of low thrust trajectories with a terminal aerocapture maneuver is addressed yielding new trajectories maximizing the total scientific mass at arrival.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA417512

Entities

People

  • Scott B. Josselyn

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Aerodynamic Forces
  • Aphelions
  • Circular Orbits
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Dynamic Pressure
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Engineers
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Interplanetary Trajectories
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Orbits
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Solar Propulsion
  • Spacecraft
  • Trajectories
  • United States Naval Academy

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Operations Research