Development of an Optimized Lambert Problem Solver for Targeting Elliptical Orbits
Open Access
- Author:
- Shank, Brian Steven
- Graduate Program:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- None
- Committee Members:
- Dr David B Spencer, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
- Keywords:
- Lambert's Problem
Pork Chop Plot
ATSV
Visual Data Techniques
Orbital Mechanics
Astrodynamics
Mission Planning
Propulsion Optimization - Abstract:
- This thesis investigates the solution of Lambert’s Problem for targets in elliptical orbits. Preliminary efforts are made in developing a mission design software tool to determine the optimal interplanetary trajectory and final capture orbit based on mission constraints and requirements between a departure and arrival body. Integration of the Applied Research Laboratory Trade Space Visualizer software permits a mission designer to visually inspect the multi-dimensional trade space and investigate regions of feasible trajectories. The software requires a calculation engine to perform the simulation, such as Matlab. This approach is in contrast to highly numerical methods that require significant computation power. Sample results for representative Earth-to-Mars 2005 and 2007 missions as well as an Earth-to-Venus 2011 mission are presented using the software’s numerous plotting options. The Applied Research Laboratory Trade Space Visualizer is still considered a preliminary mission design tool where the ideal optimal solutions found using the software could be used as starting points in a higher-fidelity program to account for the assumptions made in this work. The application of this software can eventually be applied to more complex interplanetary transfers outside of a simplified two-burn impulsive transfer. There is potential to integrate evolutionary algorithm as part of the solution process.