Direct trajectory optimization framework for vertical takeoff and vertical landing reusable rockets: case study of two-stage rockets. Issue 4 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Lin; Wang, Kexin; Shao, Zhijiang; Song, Zhengyu; Biegler, Lorenz T.
• Is Part Of: Engineering optimization. Volume 51:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 627
• Page End: 645
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Trajectory optimization -- VTVL reusable rocket -- finite-element collocation approach -- IPOPT -- internal–external-growth strategies; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Mathematical optimization -- Periodicals; 620.0042
• DOI: 10.1080/0305215X.2018.1472774
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-215X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study presents a direct trajectory optimization framework for a vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) reusable rocket with a two-stage structure for a launch mission to simultaneously deliver a payload to the desired orbit and recover the rocket. A two-phase trajectory optimization problem of VTVL reusable rockets is established, with the main features of the flight process. The finite-element collocation approach with Radau collocation is utilized to transcribe the established problem into a nonlinear programming (NLP) problem solved by Interior Point OPTimizer (IPOPT). Novel internal–external-growth initialization strategies are designed to enhance the convergence of solving the NLP problem. The proposed direct trajectory optimization framework is applied to two representative scenarios of VTVL reusable rockets: return to a launch site and return to a drone ship. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed trajectory optimization framework has the adaptability to deal effectively with the complex missions of VTVL reusable rockets.