Abort Trajectory Optimization Using an hp-Adaptive Pseudospectral Method

Abstract

Mission abort scenarios of RLV due to an engine failure which leads to engine cut-off are considered. the abort trajectory optimization problem is treated as a maximum range problem for abort capability analysis. an hp-adaptive pseudospectral method be employed to solve this problem because of it's accuracy and computational efficiency. Fuel jettisoning rate is treated as a optimization parameter. Numerical results show the optimal fuel jettison rate is it's maximum value and the maximum longitudinal range achievable with fuel jettisoning is increased by 7.62% when compared to the case without fuel jettisoning.