Searching for two optimal trajectories: A study on different approaches to global optimization of gravity-assist trajectories that have a backup departure opportunity

In interplanetary space missions, it is convenient to have a second departure opportunity in case the first is missed. Two distinct approaches to minimizing the maximum of the two Delta-V budgets of such a trajectory pair, are developed. The first (‘a priori’) approach optimizes the variables of both trajectories at once. The second (‘a...