Authors:

Javier S Robinson

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About Paper:

Designing spacecraft trajectories in the Earth-Moon region requires complex models that accommodate the constantly shifting influence of both gravitational forces. Adaptive Trajectory Design (ATD) is a software package for constructing spacecraft trajectories - and transfers between them - using simplified models such as the circular restricted three body problem (CR3BP). It also includes a database of reference trajectories with existing real-world applications. Access to ATD is often requested by researchers in federal, industry, and educational settings. However, ATD's documentation is only suitable for users who already understand three body dynamics, severely limiting its accessibility. In particular, it lacks sample problems that would provide critical context for a wider range of users. Major additions to ATD's documentation will make it available to space mission design experts that may not be familiar with three body mechanics. Additionally, new trajectories will be generated and several existing NASA missions will be added to the database. The trajectories will be converted into the higher-fidelity ephemeris model. The documentation for ATD will be updated to thoroughly describe the process of adding trajectories, constructing transfers, and creating satellite constellations, assuming background knowledge of two body dynamics. ATD will, consequently, offer a lower barrier to entry and be more accessible. Additionally, ATD will include more reference trajectories that commonly occur in real research applications. The expectation is that ATD will reach a far wider userbase of mission design experts, researchers, and students, allowing all of them to participate in the design of trajectories for three body systems. Keywords: Three Body Mechanics; Circular Restricted Three Body Problem; Space Mission Design; Earth Moon Region

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

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No topics listed

Co-authors:

Javier S Robinson