Multi-Objective Hidden Genes Genetic Algorithm for Multigravity-Assist Trajectory Optimization

In multigravity-assist trajectory optimization, the size of the design space is a variable itself. The objective functions are usually replete with local minima. This paper presents a multi-objective hidden genes genetic algorithm (MOHGGA) for trajectory optimization. The length of the chromosome is selected large enough to enable modeling a given maximum number of swing-bys and maximum number of deep space maneuvers (DSMs). Binary tags are appended to those genes that control the swing-bys and DSMs. These binary tags are used to remove/add swing-bys and DSMs to a trajectory solution, and hence enable optimization among solutions of different sizes (different topologies). The MOHGGA generates Pareto fronts that have solutions of, in general, different number of swing-bys, swing-by planets, launch and arrival dates, and number of DSMs. Two objectives are considered in this paper: the total mission cost and total time of flight. An elitist nondominated sorting genetic algorithm is used. Local optimization is conducted on one objective function, holding the other objective function constant, to further improve the resulting Pareto front. Numerical results of four benchmark test cases for missions to Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury are presented. The results demonstrate the capability of MOHGGA in searching for optimal trajectory topologies while optimizing two objectives.