Indirect low-thrust trajectory optimization with gridded ion thruster model

Abstract

The work deals with indirect optimization of minimum-time and minimum-fuel interplanetary trajectories when gridded ion thruster models are considered. Using an accurate model of solar electric propulsion is beneficial in preliminary mission design, and allows including operational constraints. The maximum thrust and the specific impulse are expressed as a function of thruster input power, which is achieved by means of point-fitting lines that match the performance capabilities of the thrusters. Minimum-time and minimum-fuel problems are formulated to be solved by indirect optimization. In order to increase the accuracy and robustness of the shooting procedure, analytic Jacobians are derived, and a hybrid switching detection technique is used to improve the integration accuracy for minimum-fuel problems. Two examples of Earth-to-Mars transfer and Near-Earth rendezvous mission using the realistic NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) are given to substantiate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.