Indirect Optimization Method for Low-Thrust Interplanetary Trajectories

Abstract: The indirect optimization method, which has been used at the Politecnico di Torino to compute the trajectories for the 1st and 2nd editions of the Global Trajectory Optimisation Competition, is presented. In particular, the general features of the optimization method, the numerical technique for the solution of the boundary value problem, and the procedure for finding suitable tentative solutions are described; details of the solutions presented at the competitions are also given