Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: An efficient new framework for automating the search for multiple-body high-fidelity pump-down tours is presented. An existing pathfinding method for same-body transfer sequences is extended to include inter-moon transfers in patched conics. A separate algorithm analyzes each multiple-body sequence to determine how many legs can be efficiently converted to high-fidelity and optimized. The sequences are pruned, and patched conics searches are repeated from the terminal conditions of the high-fidelity trajectories. Frequent corrections in the high-fidelity model allow the optimization scheme to exploit, rather than fight, the high-fidelity perturbations. The process is automated and returns a Pareto optimal trade space of high-fidelity multiple-body pump-down tours. The method is used to create integrated trajectories starting at Titan arrival conditions and terminating with capture at Enceladus. The resulting Pareto front ranges from 900-1030 days time of flight and 410-550 m/s $$\Delta v$$ Δ v , and leads to a compelling case for sending an orbiter to Enceladus.
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Awards: G1982249299, G2476193299
OpenAlex ID: W7164998369