Orbital Dynamics and Trajectory Design

 

Our expertise. iMEX.A offers solid experience in all the advanced topics in astrodynamics (i.e., two body problem, n-body dynamics, perturbation theory, proximal motion and optimal control).
In particular, we can model various orbital dynamics problems, for missions in the space surrounding the Earth or other celestial bodies, and study solutions in accordance with mission requirements:

Two body problem transfers Gravity assist trajectories Long-term orbit perturbation analysis on planeto-centric orbits Frozen orbits Three-body and four-body problem transfers Relative motion and formation flying

iMEX.A also has experience in space trajectory design and optimisation, typical of interplanetary missions. Tools for the preliminary design of impulsive and low-thrust trajectories can be developed for the fast generation of first guess solutions for mission analysis (e.g., impulsive-∆v transfers, escape spirals, low-thrust trajectories). Global optimisation can be performed to maximize the mission drivers (i.e., timeline, propellant, mission constraints) and meet high level requirements. iMEX.A can offer expertise in low-thrust trajectory optimisation through application of different local optimisation techniques (indirect and direct techniques). High accuracy model of the trajectory can be developed and exploited during the optimisation process.

We have the availability of toolboxes for different areas of mission analysis; these consist in a wide range of in house developed codes or open-source tools. We can also program ad-hoc codes according to customer requirements.

Applications. Some example applications of the Earth/celestial body missions are:

Transfers to Halo orbits in the Earth-Moon system Orbital dynamics of swarm of small satellites and identification of conditions for frozen orbits Propagation of space debris, analysis of the effect of the perturbations Analysis and preliminary design of low-thrust orbits, through analytical techniques Relative motion

Alternatively, examples of design and optimisation of interplanetary trajectories are::

Analytical techniques for low-thrust arcs Impulsive transfer through Lambert problem, ballistic arcs Planetary gravity assist maneuvers Earth-to-asteroids transfer orbits Transfers in the Earth-Moon system and the Earth-Moon-Sun system Optimisation of low-thrust trajectories Global multi-objective optimisation

Our experience. We developed various applications within our research framework; some techniques were applied to numerous mission scenarios. Outcomes and results were presented by the iMEX.A team at specialised conferences and published in peer-review papers and journal articles.

 

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AEROSPACE and MECHANICS

Areas of expertise

• CFD
• Mechanical Design
• Orbital Dynamics and Trajectory Design
• Space Systems
• Asteroid Deflection