Rapid Entry Corridor Trajectory Optimization for Conceptual Design

Abstract

mission requirements. In many applications, this process is performed using computationally intensive direct methods. In this investigation, an automated process has been developed to perform rapid trajectory optimization using indirect methods. This process combines and advances disparate trajectory optimization techniques developed over the previous century into a unied framework that is capable of solving a wide range of design problems. Specically, this framework implements discrete dynamic programming, nonlinear inversion, pseudospectral methods, indirect methods, and continuation. The results from pseudospectral methods identify challenges in the formulation of corner conditions and switching structure associated with indirect methods. Examples demonstrate that families of optimal trajectories can be quickly constructed for varying trajectory parameters, vehicle shape, atmospheric properties, and gravity. These results validate the hypothesis that many entry trajectory solutions are linked through indirect methods. This framework enables rapid trajectory optimization and design space exploration, rapid sensitivity and robustness analysis, and rapid vehicle requirements denition.