This paper presents an approach to generate initial trajectories in a three-body dynamical framework, assuming the use of a low-thrust propulsion system. Finite Fourier series were previously implemented successfully in approximating two-dimensional continuous-thrust trajectories in two-body dynamic models. In this paper, Finite Fourier series are implemented in a dual-level-solver strategy for low-thrust trajectory approximation, in the presence of thrust acceleration constraints, in the three-body dynamic model. This approximation enables the feasibility assessment of low-thrust trajectories, especially in the presence of thrust level constraint. The developed method demonstrates capability in generating trajectories using a fully automated procedure for various levels of thrust acceleration with a moderate to high number of revolutions. The suitability of using the approximated trajectories as initial guesses for high-fidelity solvers is demonstrated.
Fast Initial Trajectory Design for Low-Thrust Restricted-Three-Body Problems
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics ; 38 , 11 ; 2146-2160
2015-10-08
15 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Fast Initial Trajectory Design for Low-Thrust Restricted-Three-Body Problems
Online Contents | 2015
|Initial three-dimensional low-thrust trajectory design
Elsevier | 2015
|