Optimal space trajectories using solar electric propulsion (Sep) and gravity assisted maneuver, with genetic algorithm

Abstract

The future of the interplanetary missions is to use the conventional rockets to leave the sphere of influence of the Earth, and solar electric propulsion (SEP) to accomplish the other maneuvers of the mission. In this work the optimization of maneuvers will be approached in interplanetary missions using solar electric propulsion and Gravity Assisted Maneuver attended to reduce the costs of the mission. Exploring the high specific pulse and the capacity of the electric propulsion to obtain a Gravity Assisted Maneuver with the Earth after a year of the departure of the spacecraft. Missions for several close asteroids the Earth will be considered. The analysis suggests criteria for the definition of initial solutions demanded for the process of optimization of trajectories. These studies will use the Maximal Pontryagin Principle of the variacional calculation for minimum time of the trajectories through indirect optimization methods.The indirect optimization method will be used in the simulations. (AU)