Optimization of low thrust trajectories with terminal aerocapture

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Author
Josselyn, Scott B.
Date
2003-06Advisor
Ross, I. Michael
Second Reader
Matousek, Steve
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This thesis explores using a direct pseudospectral method for the solution of optimal control problems with mixed dynamics. An easy to use MATLAB optimization package known as DIDO is used to obtain the solutions. The modeling of both low thrust interplanetary trajectories as well as aerocapture trajectories is detailed and the solutions for low thrust minimum time and minimum fuel trajectories are explored with particular emphasis on verification of the optimality of the obtained solution. Optimal aerocpature trajectories are solved for rotating atmospheres over a range of arrival Vinfinities. Solutions are obtained using various performance indexes including minimum fuel, minimum heat load, and minimum total aerocapture mass. Finally, the problem formulation and solutions for the mixed dynamic problem of low thrust trajectories with a terminal aerocapture maneuver is addressed yielding new trajectories maximizing the total scientific mass at arrival.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.Collections
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