Simultaneous Optimization of Launch Vehicle Stage and Trajectory Considering Operational Safety Constraints

TL;DR

This paper introduces an integrated optimization framework for launch vehicle design that simultaneously optimizes trajectory and staging to improve payload capacity while ensuring operational safety constraints.

Contribution

It presents a novel integrated optimization approach that reduces computational complexity and enhances design optimality compared to traditional sequential methods.

Findings

The integrated framework outperforms traditional methods in payload-to-liftoff mass ratio.

The approach effectively incorporates safety constraints like impact points and fairing considerations.

Case study validates the advantages of the proposed integrated optimization.

Abstract

A conceptual design of a launch vehicle involves the optimization of trajectory and stages considering its launch operations. This process encompasses various disciplines, such as structural design, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, flight control, and stage sizing. Traditional approaches used for the conceptual design of a launch vehicle conduct the stage and trajectory designs sequentially, often leading to high computational complexity and suboptimal results. This paper presents an optimization framework that addresses both trajectory optimization and staging in an integrated way. The proposed framework aims to maximize the payload-to-liftoff mass ratio while satisfying the constraints required for safe launch operations (e.g., the impact points of burnt stages and fairing). A case study demonstrates the advantage of the proposed framework compared to the traditional sequential optimization approach.