Comparison of Performance Predictions for New Low-Thrust Trajectory Tools

Abstract

Condensed AbstractSeveral low thrust trajectory optimization tools have been developed over the last 4 years by the Low Thrust Trajectory Tools development team. This toolset includes low, medium, and high fidelity tools. These tools were tested using a set of reference trajectories that exercised each tool's unique capabilities. This paper compares the performance predictions of the various tools for several of the reference trajectories. The intent is to verify agreement between the high fidelity tools and to quantify the performance prediction differences between tools of different fidelity levels. Several low thrust trajectory optimization tools have been developed over the last 4 years by the Low Thrust Trajectory Tools development team. This toolset includes both low-medium fidelity and high fidelity tools which allow the analyst to quickly research a wide mission trade space and perform advanced mission design. These tools were tested using a set of reference trajectories that exercised each tool's unique capabilities. This paper compares the performance predictions of the various tools against several of the reference trajectories. The intent is to verify agreement between the high fidelity tools and to quantify the performance prediction differences between tools of different fidelity levels.

A Survey on Low-Thrust Trajectory Optimization Approaches

“…The most common indirect method is the indirect single shooting. It has been implemented in the tools SEPTOP (Solar Electric Propulsion Trajectory Optimization Program) [43], VARITOP (VARIational calculus Trajectory Optimization Program) [42], NEWSEP (NEW Solar Electric Propulsion trajectory optimization program) [44], and SAIL [45]. These tools have been developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and they are part of the Low-Thrust Trajectory Tool Suite (LTTT).…”

Heuristic method based on Generalized Logarithmic Spirals for Low-Thrust trajectory design

“…It has been implemented in the tools SEPTOP (Solar Electric Propulsion Trajectory Optimization Program)[150], VAR-ITOP (VARIational calculus Trajectory Optimization Program)[149], NEWSEP (NEW Solar Electric Propulsion trajectory optimization program)[151], and SAIL[152]. These tools have been developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and they are part of the Low-Thrust Trajectory Tool Suite (LTTT).…”