Application of a genetic algorithm in orbital maneuvers

• DOI: 10.1007/s40314-014-0151-x
• Publication Date: 2014-05-28T08:29:53Z
• Authors: Denílson Paulo So...; Jorge Kennety da ...
• Keywords: 0203 mechanical engineering; 0103 physical sciences; 02 engineering and technology; 7. Clean energy; 01 natural sciences

This paper has the goal of calculating transfer trajectories between two coplanar orbits using several impulses, trying to find solutions that reduce the costs related to the fuel consumption required to apply these impulses. The number of impulses is given a priori, and a genetic algorithm is used to find the maneuvers that spent less fuel to be completed. Several types of maneuvers are simulated, including constrained maneuvers, where the spacecraft is forced to pass by intermediate orbits, and maneuvers that transfer a spacecraft from one body back to the same body. The method worked in all the situations and the maneuvers were found in all the situations.