Pseudo-Theory-Based Optimization Design Method for Lunar Gravity-Assisted Human Earth-Mars Transfer Trajectory

Abstract

Abstract The lunar gravity assist (LGA) is recognized as one of the potential ways to reduce the energy demand of human Mars exploration. Nevertheless, it indeed increases the difficulty of designing the exploration trajectory due to its inevitable considerations of a more complex gravitational environment and additional flying stages. Focusing on this issue, an efficient pre-design method is proposed on the basis of the pseudo-state theory. By embedding the pseudo-sweep back step into the dynamical propagation, the accuracy of two-body trajectories can be recovered to a high level, which brings significant convenience of initially designing high-precision trajectory, rapidly searching the departure window, and fast evaluating the LGA effect. A large amount of simulation results show that the application of the pseudo theory could enhance at least 88% trajectory accuracy, increase the 60% success rate, and decrease 5% the necessary cost when optimizing the Earth-Mars transfer trajectory, with comparisons to the two-body trajectory.