Optimal capture trajectories using multiple gravity assists

Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulations 14(12), 4168-4175. doi:10.1016/j.cnsns.2008.12.009

Stefan Jerg, Oliver Junge, Shane D. Ross,
Technische Universiat Muenchen, Zentrum Mathematik
and
Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
ABSTRACT

Graph theoretic methods of optimal control in the presence of uncertainty are applied to a celestial mechanics problem. We find a fuel-efficientcient spacecraft trajectory which starts at infinity and is captured by the smaller member of a binary system, e.g., a moon of Jupiter, using multiple gravity assists.

Keywords: optimal control; three-body problem; celestial mechanics

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