Genetic Algorithm Based Robust and Optimal Path Planning for Sample-Return Mission from an Asteroid on an Earth Fly-By Trajectory

This paper investigates a systematic mission design of robust and optimal orbital transfer maneuvers for a sample return mission from an asteroid. In this study, an interplanetary space flight mission design is established to obtain the minimum ∆V required for a rendezvous and sample return mission from an asteroid. Given the initial (observed) conditions of an asteroid, a (robust) genetic algorithm is implemented to determine the optimal choice of ∆V required for the rendezvous. Robustness of the optimum solution is demonstrated through incorporated bounded-uncertainties in the outbound ∆V maneuver via genetic fitness function. The improved algorithm results in a solution with improved robustness and reduced sensitivity to propulsive errors in the outbound maneuver. This is achieved over a solution optimized solely on ∆V , while keeping the increase in ∆V to a minimum, as desired. Outcomes of the analysis provide significant results in terms of improved robustness in asteroid rendezvous missions.