N-IMPULSES INTERPLANETARY ORBIT TRANSFER USING GENETIC ALGORITHM WITH APPLICATION TO MARS MISSION

Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used as an optimization technique to obtain the optimum parameters of the N-impulses interplanetary transfer orbit. The developed algorithm calculates the required delta-v and the optimum launch and arrival dates within pre-specified time windows. One or more extra delta-v are applied during the course of the spacecraft to reduce the total delta-v and/or mission duration. Genetic Algorithm is used to determine the optimum values and locations of the extra delta-v(s). Mars mission is considered as an application to study both of minimum energy and minimum mission duration cases. Results show that increasing the number of impulses beyond two impulses is more efficient in cost and duration.