An Algorithm for Generating Feasible Low Thrust Interplanetary Trajectories
نویسندگان
چکیده
Electric propulsion has offered the promise of more efficient transportation throughout the solar system. Capitalizing on EP’s promise requires a new set of tools that can rapidly conduct trade studies to help scientists and mission designers understand the advantages and costs of various EP systems. This paper presents a proof of concept program and the underlying algorithm that allow for the computation of feasible EP trajectories. The tools described in this paper are designed to be simple to use and require minimal user input. The goal of these tools is to demonstrate that the feasible EP trajectories can be computed quickly and easily. When coupled with optimization algorithms, these methods allow for the optimization of trajectories without requiring the user to specify control inputs.
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