Generating Planar Trajectories for Neptunian System Exploration Using Motion Primitives.

Area of Science:

• Spacecraft trajectory design
• Celestial mechanics
• Neptunian system exploration

Background:

• Exploring the Neptunian system presents significant trajectory design challenges due to complex gravitational dynamics.
• Existing methods may not efficiently handle the constraints and maneuver requirements for deep space missions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an automated method for generating constrained spacecraft trajectories for missions in the Neptunian system.
• To utilize motion primitives for efficient and diverse trajectory planning around Neptune and Triton.

Main Methods:

• A motion primitive approach was employed, generating building blocks from periodic orbits and manifold arcs.
• A graph representation captured primitive composability and mission constraints, searched using a k-best paths algorithm.
• Generated sequences were optimized to create continuous, constrained trajectories with impulsive maneuvers.

Main Results:

• The method successfully generated diverse, constrained trajectory initial guesses for Neptunian exploration scenarios.
• Applied to high-energy insertion and low-energy transfers within the Neptune-Triton system.
• Analysis of the resulting tradespace revealed feasible mission designs.

Conclusions:

• The motion primitive approach offers an effective strategy for automated, constrained trajectory generation in complex gravitational environments.
• This method facilitates efficient mission design for exploring the Neptunian system.
• The approach is adaptable for various mission objectives, including orbit insertion and transfers.