Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

Low Thrust Trajectory Optimization in the Saturn-Titan System

Public Deposited

Downloadable Content

Download PDF
https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/k930bz710
Abstract
  • The growing interest in missions to the moons of Jupiter and Saturn motivates trajectory optimization within these systems. This thesis focuses on the computation of propellant mass optimal trajectories for spacecraft with low thrust propulsive systems in the Saturn-Titan system. The Circular Restricted Three Body Problem (CR3BP) is used to describe the dynamical environment. The equations are modified to incorporate low thrust contributions. The method to generate an initial guess trajectory is defined. Trajectory optimization using primer vector theory is used along with multiple shooting to generate the required transfers. Necessary conditions are derived for the chosen dynamical system. Propellant mass optimal transfers to vertical and halo target orbits are computed to achieve coverage of the polar regions of Titan. The resultant halo orbit transfer is then utilized to generate transfers to a nearby NRHO orbit for closer approaches to the south polar region.

Creator
Date Issued
  • 2025-04-21
Academic Affiliation
Advisor
Committee Member
Degree Grantor
Degree Level
Commencement Year
Subject
Publisher
Last Modified
  • 2025-07-23
Resource Type
Rights Statement
Language

Relations

Items