Comparative analysis of lunar capture braking method based on particle swarm optimization

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to verify the feasibility of lunar capture braking through three methods based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the three strategies by analyzing the results of the simulation. Design/methodology/approach The paper proposes three methods to verify capture braking based on PSO. The constraints of the method are the final lunar orbit eccentricity and the height of the final orbit around the Moon. At the same time, fuel consumption is used as a performance indicator. Then, the PSO algorithm is used to optimize the track of the capture process and simulate the entire capture braking process. Findings The three proposed braking strategies under the framework of PSO algorithm are very effective for solving the problem of lunar capture braking. The simulation results show that the orbit in the opposite direction of the trajectory has the most serious attenuation at perilune, and it should consume the least amount of fuel in theoretical analysis. The methods based on the fixed thrust direction braking and thrust uniform rotation braking can better ensure the final perilune control accuracy and fuel consumption. As for practice, the fixed thrust direction braking method is better realized among the three strategies. Research limitations/implications The process of lunar capture is a complicated process, involving effective coordination between multiple subsystems. In this article, the main focus is on the correctness of the algorithm, and a simplified dynamic model is adopted. At the same time, because the capture time is short, the lunar curvature can be omitted. Furthermore, to better compare the pros and cons of different braking modes, some influence factors and perturbative forces are not considered, such as the Earth’s flatness, light pressure and system noise and errors. Practical implications This paper presents three braking strategies that can satisfy all the constraints well and optimize the fuel consumption to make the lunar capture more effective. The results of comparative analysis demonstrate that the three strategies have their own superiority, and the fixed thrust direction braking is beneficial to engineering realization and has certain engineering practicability, which can also provide reference for lunar exploration orbit design. Originality/value The proposed capture braking strategies based on PSO enable effective capture of the lunar module. During the lunar exploration, the capture braking phase determines whether the mission will be successful or not, and it is essential to control fuel consumption on the premise of accuracy. The three methods in this paper can be used to provide a study reference for the optimization of lunar capture braking.