Lambert's Problem Solver for Leo Transfers
Faculty Mentor Name
Davide Conte
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
As one of the fundamental applications of celestial mechanics to spaceflight, Lambert's problem is required to place a spacecraft into a targeted position. While accurate and fast solvers exist for Lambert's problem, nearly all of them are formulated as packages or libraries for common programming languages. Although this allows for easy implementation of the solvers in more complicated applications, it prevents easy access to anyone not already familiar with astrodynamics and programming. Furthermore, existing software solutions tend to focus on direct transfer orbits and interplanetary cases, whereas most space vehicles operate exclusively in Earth orbit and require different problem geometries and considerations.
This project aims to address the gap in accessible mission design software by creating a web application tailored to low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. It will focus primarily on transfers involving multiple revolutions around the Earth, made practical by the low orbital periods of Earth orbits. The project will also package solutions into a clean, user-friendly interface that can run in a web browser, bypassing the need to download software or implement software libraries and providing access to anyone with an internet connection.
Lambert's Problem Solver for Leo Transfers
As one of the fundamental applications of celestial mechanics to spaceflight, Lambert's problem is required to place a spacecraft into a targeted position. While accurate and fast solvers exist for Lambert's problem, nearly all of them are formulated as packages or libraries for common programming languages. Although this allows for easy implementation of the solvers in more complicated applications, it prevents easy access to anyone not already familiar with astrodynamics and programming. Furthermore, existing software solutions tend to focus on direct transfer orbits and interplanetary cases, whereas most space vehicles operate exclusively in Earth orbit and require different problem geometries and considerations.
This project aims to address the gap in accessible mission design software by creating a web application tailored to low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. It will focus primarily on transfers involving multiple revolutions around the Earth, made practical by the low orbital periods of Earth orbits. The project will also package solutions into a clean, user-friendly interface that can run in a web browser, bypassing the need to download software or implement software libraries and providing access to anyone with an internet connection.