Interplanetary Trajectory Optimization with Application to Galileo

Abstract

A procedure for minimizing total impulsive AK for constrained multiple-flyby trajectories, which was originally developed for application to satellite tours, has been modified for application to interplanetary trajectories. The modification includes adding to the cost function the A V required to escape from a parking orbit about the launch plant and the A V required for insertion into orbit about the arrival planet. The hyperbolic excess velocity vector with respect to the launch planet and the launch date have been added to the set of independent variables for the optimization. Each trajectory originates at departure from the parking orbit rather than at a fixed position in space, as is the case for the satellite tour application. The multiconic trajectory propagation techniques and the Newton optimization algorithm of the original method have been retained. Examples of the application of this new method are given for several types of Galileo interplanetary trajectory options, including Mars powered flyby, broken plane, Venus-Earth gravity assist, and A V Earth gravity assist trajectories.