Ian Carnelli, Bernd Dachwald, Massimiliano Vasile
Evolutionary Neurocontrol: A Novel Method for Low-Thrust Gravity-Assist Trajectory Optimization
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2009, pp. 615-
624


Abstract

The combination of low-thrust propulsion and gravity assists to enhance deep-space missions has proven to be a remarkable task. In this paper, we present a novel method that is based on evolutionary neurocontrollers. The main advantage in the use of a neurocontroller is the generation of a control law with a limited number of decision variables. On the other hand, the evolutionary algorithm allows one to look for globally optimal solutions more efficiently than with a systematic search. In addition, a steepest-ascent algorithm is introduced that acts as a navigator during the planetary encounter, providing the neurocontroller with the optimal insertion parameters. Results are presented for a Mercury rendezvous with a Venus gravity assist and for a Pluto flyby with a Jupiter gravity assist.

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