Malaek, Seyed (Sharif University of Technology), Moradi, Sina (Sharif University of Technology)

Trajectory Optimization of Microgravity Atmospheric Flights Based on a Hybrid Heuristic Algorithm

Scheduled for presentation during the Regular Session "Trajectory planning" (WeA1), Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 16:30−17:00, Carassa-Dadda

5th CEAS Conference on Guidance, Navigation and Control, April 3-5, 2019, Milano, Italy

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on April 25, 2024

Abstract

Due to the ever increasing space related missions, Microgravity condition during atmospheric flight is in great demand for astronauts training purposes. Perpetual in-orbit flights are impracticable to assimilate within the Earth’s atmosphere; nonetheless, zero-G maneuvers have proven to be effective as a significant part of any space related program. In the absence of any specifically designed aircraft for zero-G flights, we could modify or adapt existing ones for such maneuvers. In this work, we use a systemic approach to demonstrate how we could develop a trajectory together with a control system to support zero-G flights for a given aircraft. We further show how the process could be generalized to partial gravity maneuvers, which Lunar and Martian gravity simulation comprise the focus of attention. In this article, the required inputs of an aircraft as a function of time for a near-optimal flight cycle is studied. The optimization procedure leading to proper elevator inputs has been carried out by two methods of Tabu Search and Continuous Ant Colony System, which has proven to be effective considering the governing constraints.