Optimal Satellite Trajectories: A Source of Difficult Nonsmooth Optimization Problems

Abstract

In this paper we will show that optimal satellite trajectory problems can be posed as difficult nonsmooth optimisation problems. The aim is not to advocate solving satellite trajectory problems by using nonsmooth optimisation algorithms; they can be solved more simply by other means. The aim is simply to challenge the designers of nonsmooth optimisation codes to test them on these problems; which we believe will prove to be very difficult. We look forward to hearing the results of such tests.