Optimization of low-thrust Earth-Moon transfers using evolutionary neurocontrol

Although low-thrust propulsion is an interesting option for scientific and reconnaissance missions to targets in planetary space, like the Moon, associated transfer strategies pose challenging requirements in terms of optimal control. The method of evolutionary neurocontrol (ENC), which has been applied very successfully to interplanetary low-thrust transfer problems, is now used for solving this type of steering problem. For exemplary validation, two low-thrust transfers from an Earth-bound geostationary transfer orbit into a Moon-bound orbit are optimized with respect to minimum flight time.