Trajectory optimization of multiple asteroids exploration with asteroid 2010TK7 as main target

Abstract

In this study, the Earth’s Trojan asteroid 2010 TK7 is selected as the rendezvous target. The multiple flyby sequence of asteroid exploration was proposed by optimizing the probe’s orbit. Impulsive maneuvers and low-thrust propulsion were used respectively to design the trajectories of the multiple asteroids exploration mission. Under impulsive maneuvers, gravity assist technique was adopted to reduce fuel consumption. First a reference orbit with only 2010 TK7 as the rendezvous target was designed. Then five asteroids near the reference orbit were selected as candidates. Finally, we obtained a multiple asteroids exploration sequence of three asteroids based on gravity assist technique and genetic algorithm, and an additional velocity impulse of 0.4 km/s was required. In the subsequent section, a sixth-degree inverse polynomial shape-based method is applied to the low-thrust trajectory design of 2010 TK7, and the exploration sequence under the action of low-thrust propulsion was provided.