Adaptive Trajectory Design (ATD)

Adaptive Trajectory Design (ATD) is an original concept for quick and efficient end-to-end trajectory designs using proven piece-wise dynamical methods. With ongoing concept designs of Cis-lunar and Earth-Moon libration exploration habitat locations and recently demonstrated by Goddard Space Flight Center support of ARTEMIS, mission design within unstable/stable regions needs the unification of individual trajectories from different dynamical regimes. These trajectories can be developed individually via numerical Floquet methods, high-fidelity integration and optimization, or simple conic applications of a fundamentally elliptical orbit; currently, there is no tool or process that permits the user to blend multiple orbital arcs together into complete designs easily with the exception of our IRAD development. ATD is not subject only to designs where dynamical systems and flow topology have advantages but also to initial injection and arrival orbits. Many upcoming missions and proposals incorporate multiple dynamical regimes and require extensive time to complete an end-to-end design, even though the techniques employed during each phase and within each regime may be the best available. Mission design within unstable/stable regions needs unification of individual trajectories from different dynamical regimes. NASA needs an automated process to blend multiple dynamical systems to flow topologically different orbital arcs together easily. Develop an automated process which blends single and multi-body trajectory arcs Combine various trajectory design concepts into a unified and continuous path quickly and efficiently End goal is a process and developmental software to blend different types of mission design trajectories We will perform the following: Incorporate additional capabilities for generation of dynamical (Poincaré) maps to assess options and choose the best blend for orbit selection and initial conditions, and capabilities for any sun/planet or planet/moon combination (current algorithms can be reused). Interface ATD with the Goddard Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT) for routine use by the GSFC Navigation and Mission Design Branch. Complete the structure of the algorithm such that future theoretical and technical developments can be easily incorporated. End goal and product is a process and developmental software to blend different types of mission design trajectories into one optimal design. The process will have a theoretical basis but offers an automated structure and, ultimately, with an optimization step incorporated as well. Demonstrate the capability to incorporate trajectory arcs from the following regimes: Earth and Lunar conic; Earth-Moon libration; and Earth-Sun to meet the mission requirements for upcoming missions such as JWST, Earth-Moon libration habitat orbits, and offer a design space for trade-offs. Begin application to other Sun-planet systems, EML2-Mars transfers, Earth-Moon resonant orbit design, and asteroids encounters for OSIRIS applications. Establish ATD as a routine mission design process for efficient combination of various trajectory design concepts into a unified and continuous path. Leverage of a NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship (NSTRF). More »