A multidirectional Physarum solver for the automated design of space trajectories

This paper proposes a bio-inspired algorithm to automatically generate optimal multi-gravity assist trajectories. The multi-gravity assist problem has some analogies with the better known Traveling Salesman Problem and can be addressed with similar strategies. An algorithm drawing inspiration from the Physarum slime mould is proposed to grow and explore a tree of decisions that corresponds to the possible sequences of transfers from one planet to another. Some examples show that the proposed bio-inspired algorithm can produce solutions that are better than the ones generated by humans or with Hidden Genes Genetic Algorithms.