A comparison of gravity-assisted maneuvers in different planets to optimize interplanetary missions
Last modified: 2010-04-17
Abstract
This work presents a comparison of different possibilities of gravity-assisted maneuvers on Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The problem involving interplanetary trajectories can be formulated as a multi-objective problem due to the nature of the mission. The optimization problem is solved using a methodology based on the Non Inferiority Criterion (Pareto, 1909) and the Smallest Loss Criterion (Rocco et al. 2003), where all objectives are considered simultaneously, without reducing the problem to the case of optimizing a single objective. The three objectives to be optimized are: fuel consumption, in other words, the DV; the duration of the mission; and the waiting time on Earth for launch, The trajectory is divided into three parts, where the first and the last one are inside the sphere of influence of a planet, and the intermediate part is a heliocentric phase. This methodology is called Patched Conics. Several simulations were obtained using the Transfer Trajectory Design Programs (Sukhanov, 2004), analyzing the best way to reach Pluto using gravity-assisted maneuvers. For this purpose a few planets were tested with different combinations of dates for the maneuvers, launch and arriving windows. Then a conclusion of which planet is best suited for the chosen dates was obtained.
References:
Pareto, V. Manuale di economia politica com una introduzione alla scienza sociele. Milão: Società Editrice Libraria, 1909.Rocco, E. M. Manutenção orbital de constelações simétricas de satélites utilizando manobras impulsivas ótimas com vínculo de tempo. São José dos Campos. 178 p. Tese (Doutorado em Engenharia e Tecnologia Espaciais / Mecânica Espacial e Controle) - Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, 2002.
Sukhanov, A, “User’s Guide for Transfer Trajectory Design Programs”. Manual técnico, IKI, Moscou, Rússia, 27pp, 2004.
Venditti, F.; Rocco, E.M.; Prado, ªF.B.ª.; Sukhanov, ª, “Gravity-Assisted Maneuvers Applied in the Multiobjective Optimization of Interplanetary Trajectories”. IAC 2009- 60th International Astronautical Congress. Daejeon, Republic of Korea, October 12-16, 2010.