Solar Sail Trajectory Optimization

The present study investigates minimum-time and Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) approaches to the solar sail trajectory problem. The system consists of combining the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CRTBP) with a solar radiation pressure model to accurately simulate a real solar sail. Once this is done, the artificial equilibrium points are obtained, which are then used to examine case studies. The Geostorm and polar observer missions have been examined using both methods and practical results have been achieved. Furthermore, a terminal feedback controller has been implemented to ensure that the sail remains at its destination. The time-optimal approach for a given desired trajectory proved to produce much faster trajectories than the LQR method. However, the LQR approach yielded much faster computational times and is also a slightly more accurate representation of a real solar sail.M.A.S