DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2011.221
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/666
Date of Award
12-2011
Degree Name
MS in Aerospace Engineering
Department/Program
Aerospace Engineering
Advisor
Kira Abercromby
Abstract
The paper describes the background and concepts behind a master’s thesis platform known as COMET (Constrained Optimization of Multiple-dimensions for Efficient Trajectories) created for mission designers to determine and evaluate suitable interplanetary trajectories. This includes an examination of the improvements to the global optimization algorithm, Differential Evolution, through a cascading search space pruning method and decomposition of optimization parameters. Results are compared to those produced by the European Space Agency’s Advanced Concept Team’s Multiple Gravity Assist Program. It was found that while discrepancies in the calculation of ΔV’s for flyby maneuvers exist between the two programs, COMET showed a noticeable improvement in its ability to avoid premature convergence and find highly isolated solutions.
Included in
Astrodynamics Commons, Navigation, Guidance, Control and Dynamics Commons, Propulsion and Power Commons, Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Commons