Optimisation in Space: Problems in Spacecraft Trajectory Optimisation by Professor Jörg Fliege (University of Southampton)
Abstract
In trajectory optimisation, the optimal path of a flight system or a group of flight systems is searched for, often in an interplanetary setting: we are in search of trajectories for one or more spacecrafts.
On the one hand, this is a well-developed field of research, in which commercial software packages are already available for various scenarios. On the other hand, the computation of such trajectories can be rather demanding, especially when low-thrust missions with long travel times (e.g. years) are considered. Such missions invariably involve gravitational slingshot manoeuvres at various celestial bodies in order to save propellant or time. Moreover, manoeuvres involve vastly different time scales: years of coasting can be followed by course corrections on a daily basis. In this talk, we give an overview over trajectory optimisation for space vehicles and highlight some recent algorithmic developments.
No charge is made to attend meetings; non-IMA members are welcome.
