Trajectory Optimization and Control Applied to Landing Maneuvers on Phobos from Mars-Phobos Distant Retrograde Orbits

Abstract

This paper presents research on the application of trajectory design, optimization, and control to an orbital transfer from Mars–Phobos Distant Retrograde Orbits to the surface of Phobos. Given a Distant Retrograde Orbit and a landing location on the surface of Phobos, landing trajectories for which total Δv for a direct 2-burn maneuver is minimized are computed. This is accomplished through the use of Particle Swarm Optimization in which the required Δv and time of flight are optimization parameters. The non-uniform gravitational environment of Phobos is considered in the computation. Results show how direct transfers can be achieved with Δv on the order of ∼30 m/s.