Global trajectory optimization, pathfinding, and scheduling for a multi-flyby, multi-spacecraft mission. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Russell, Ryan P.; McArdle, Sean; Ottesen, David; Zucchelli, Enrico M.; Brandenburg, William E.
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 202(2023)
• Page Start: 863
• Page End: 875
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Global Trajectory Optimization -- Lambert problem -- Indirect optimization -- Genetic algorithms -- Dyson ring; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.07.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: The UT Austin team presents their methodology and result for GTOC11, constructing a hypothetical Dyson ring using asteroids encountered by 10 motherships departing from Earth. A pathfinding algorithm for the mothership is designed using a fast lookup table and a robust Lambert solver. Sequencing of unique mothership itineraries is performed by approximating the mass delivered to the ring via a linear data-based estimator trained on simulated asteroid-to-ring trajectories. A detailed derivation for the necessary boundary conditions of the constant-thrust-acceleration indirect optimization problem is presented, with key insights about the magnitudes of the co-states. An indirect boundary value solver finds feasible asteroid-to-ring trajectories for each of the 12 phasing locations in a high-performance parallel computing environment. A genetic algorithm informs the sequencing for the ring station arrival order that gives the highest performance index value. UT Austin's final submitted solution placed 4th in the competition, with a performance index value of 5885.5, 235 asteroids collected, and a minimum build-station mass of 1.1328 × 1 0 15 kg. Highlights: The UT Austin team presents their 4th place solution for GTOC11. Multiple-leg impulsive trajectories are generated using spatial/temporal grid lookups. Incoming and outgoing impulsive maneuvers are efficiently combined between legs. A linear estimator aids selection of multiple-leg impulsive trajectory itineraries. A genetic-algorithm-based scheduler delivers equal asteroid mass to 12 build stations.