Optimization of interplanetary trajectories with deep space maneuvers - Model development and application to a Uranus orbiter mission

Improving Global Optimization Methods for Low-Thrust Trajectories

Optimization of spacecraft trajectories is an interesting area of research, where a lot of development takes place: in the past years, an optimizer called OPTIDUS was implemented at the chair of Astrodynamics at Delft Univierstiy. This tool is able to do optimization of spacecraft trajectories (and other problems) using an evolutionary algorithm...

Optimising Landing-site Selection for ExoMars

Only 6 out of 16 missions to the surface of Mars have been successful, all have been NASA missions. The landing sites of all the successful missions have been carefully selected in a process where: 1) scientists propose candidate landing sites, 2) engineers check whether these sites allow for a safe landing, and 3) over a few iterations, the...

Comparison of in situ bottom pressure data with GRACE gravimetry in the Crozet-Kerguelen region

Two time series of deep ocean bottom pressure records (BPRs) in between the Crozet Islands and Kerguelen are compared with GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment) equivalent water heights. An analysis of the correlation is performed for four time series: 1) monthly averages of the equivalent water height at the Crozet Islands, 2) the...