Rapid Trajectory Optimization of Continuous-Low-Thrust Spacecraft Based on Bezier Shape Function and Inverse Dynamics

Deep space exploration missions are a great fit for continuous-thrust spacecraft because of their benefits of high specific impulse and extended operating period. However, when it comes to tackling the trajectory optimization problem for continuous-low-thrust spacecraft, conventional approaches for trajectory optimization have drawbacks including low computing efficiency and challenging beginning value guessing. In this research, a fast way to produce workable transfer trajectories for small-thrust spacecraft is given using a form optimization approach based on Bezier curves. The dynamics model is first processed, and the inverse dynamics concept is used to parameterize the model. The transfer trajectory is then shaped using various Bezier curves. Finally, we mix several boundary conditions to maximize the shape function's unknown parameters. The Earth-to-Mars transfer simulation example of the continuous-thrust spaceship is chosen for validation. The findings confirm the applicability and effectiveness of this algorithm to the continuous-low-thrust spacecraft trajectory optimization problem and demonstrate a significant computational efficiency advantage for the Bezier shape function method for trajectory optimization over the direct method.