Automated Design of Aerogravity-Assist Trajectories

Aerogravity assist enhances the technique of gravity assist through the use of a lifting vehicle that  ies through the atmosphere of the swingby planet. An algorithm is developed that automatically searches for such trajectories to destination planets including Pluto, Neptune, Saturn,Mars, and Venus. Trajectories for lift-to-drag (L/D) ratios ranging from 1 to 10 are calculated using Venus and Mars as aerogravity-assist  yby bodies. Current waverider technology promises to deliver L/D ratios as high as 7. Trajectories to Pluto with times of  ight near 8 years and launchC3 (excess velocity squared) under 56 km2/s2 are presented for L/D ratios of 7. This techniques signiŽ cantly reduces launch energy and the time of  ight for many missions, enabling greater access to solar system bodies.