GTOC X: Karmarkar's Gang's Approach and Results

TL;DR

This paper details Karmarkar's Gang's innovative trajectory optimization strategies for the GTOC X competition, focusing on multi-impulse transfers and star targeting to maximize spatial coverage and efficiency.

Contribution

Introduces a novel combination of single and multiple impulse transfer strategies for galaxy-wide trajectory optimization in the GTOC X competition.

Findings

Effective single impulse mothership targeting method

Fast ships achieve wide spatial distribution

Potential for improved multi-star targeting strategies

Abstract

This paper describes the methods used and the results obtained by team Karmarkar's Gang for the 10th edition of the Global Trajectory Optimization Competition. The methods used by our team are described. These methods involve: mothership targeting flyby to target high-value stars using a single impulse, fast ships targeting the edge of the galaxy and settler ships having a fast expansion, time-optimal three impulse transfer strategy to select the targets to get fast and wide spatial distribution. It is seen that there is a scope of improvement with respect to multi-star targeting for motherships. The results of the strategy are discussed.