Near-optimal low-thrust orbit transfers generated by a genetic algorithm

The effectiveness of a genetic algorithm to design near-optimal low-thrust trajectories is investigated. The orbit transfer is broken into segments and a thrust direction is encoded over each of the segments. A thrust/no-thrust variable allows the trajectory to exhibit coast arcs. Constant and variable thrust propulsion systems are modeled. The thrust profile for a minimum-time Earth-to-Mars constant thrust, and fixed-time Earth-to-Mercury variable thrust trajectories are supplied.