Genetic Algorithm-Based Re-Entry Trajectory Optimization and Footprint Determination for Lifting Body Spacecraft

The re-entry trajectory optimization and the footprint determination for constrained vehicle are important and challenging. This paper presents genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization schemes considering various constraints and control objectives to generate the optimal re-entry trajectory and solve the footprint problem for lifting body spacecraft. The model of re-entry lifting body spacecraft is constructed with constraints. The re-entry phase is divided into initial entry phase and equilibrium glide phase according to the characteristics of aerodynamic environment. Then, the GA-based optimization schemes are designed for these two sub-phases considering different constraints and control objectives. In addition, the steps of determining inner and outer boundaries are proposed to obtain the enclosed range of footprint. Simulation results indicate that the proposed GA-based optimization schemes are remarkable and effective to find out the optimal initial entry and equilibrium glide trajectories and the footprint.