Low thrust gravity assist transfer trajectory design and optimization based on hybrid optimization method

Low thrust gravity assist(LTGA) trajectory design and optimization is a key point in deep space trajectory design. The solution space of LTGA problem is complex and has many local minimum points. In this paper, a hybrid design method is brought. First the optimization model is brought based on discrete impulse and B plane model. Then global optimization methods are used for searching problem initial values. Last based on the former search, sequential quadratic programming is used for getting the accurate answer. Numerical simulations have demonstrated the effectiveness of the global optimization algorithm for getting the initial values of variables. Also reliability of the approach proposed can be validated.