Single-stage to orbit ascent trajectory optimisation with reliable evolutionary initial guess

Abstract In this paper, the ascent trajectory optimization of a lifting body Single-Stage To Orbit (SSTO) reusable launch vehicle is investigated. The work carried out using Direct Multiple Shooting method to solve Optimal Control problem. crucial initialisation optimisation process performed by combination two evolutionary algorithms, namely Multi-Objective Parzen-based Estimation Distribution (MOPED) algorithm and Multi-Population Adaptive Inflationary Differential Evolution Algorithm (MP-AIDEA). belongs class Algorithms (EDAs) it used in first phase initial guess research explore search space, then (MP-AIDEA) refine obtained results, better fulfill imposed constraints. guesses with framework were tested on different multiple shooting configurations. importance continuity properties employed mathematical models was also quantitatively addressed.