Design of Experiment Approach to Atmospheric Skip Entry Maneuver Optimization

Abstract

An optimal trans-atmospheric vehicle and trajectory design are presented to simultaneously maximize the change in inclination angle and minimize total for an atmospheric skip entry maneuver. As an alternative to contemporary optimization techniques such as pseudospectral methods, a Design of Experiments approach featuring orthogonal arrays of experiments is implemented to solve the multi-objective maneuver optimization problem of atmospheric re-entry. Conducting both Pareto front and main effects analysis, the optimal solution is determined by evaluating the relative performance of six design variables, to include mass, planform area, aerodynamic coefficients, perigee altitude, and bank angle. Depending on the chosen re-circularization altitude, the optimal design performing an out-of-plane skip entry maneuver can achieve an inclination change of 19.91 deg with 50–85% less than a simple plane change.