The University of Surrey has developed a new method for finding optimal routes for future space missions. This method, created by Danny Owen at the Surrey Space Centre, uses mathematics to reveal all possible routes from one orbit to another without the need for guesswork or enormous computer power. The technique provides a full list of potential routes a spacecraft could take from point A to point B, as long as both orbits share a common energy level. This simplifies the task of planning missions and has been likened to a tube map for space.
Space missions in recent decades have increasingly relied on the ability to change the course of a satellite’s path through space without using fuel. One way to achieve this is by finding ‘heteroclinic connections,’ which are paths that allow spacecraft to transfer from one orbit to another without fuel. The mathematics for finding these paths is typically complex and requires extensive computing power or intelligent guesswork followed by further investigation. This new technique uses knot theory, an area of mathematics, to quickly generate rough trajectories that can then be refined. Space agencies can use this method to obtain a full list of possible routes from a designated orbit and choose the one that best suits their mission.
The technique has been successfully tested on various planetary systems, including the Moon and the Galilean moons of Jupiter, both of which are current and future mission targets. Dr Nicola Baresi, a Lecturer in Orbital Mechanics at the University of Surrey, explained that the new Moon race, inspired by NASA’s Artemis program, is leading mission designers to research fuel-efficient routes for exploring the vicinity of the Moon. This new technique not only simplifies the task of finding optimal routes but can also be applied to other planetary systems, such as the icy moons of Saturn and Jupiter, expanding its potential applications beyond the Moon.
By eliminating the need for guesswork and reducing the computational power required to find optimal routes for space missions, this new method offers a more efficient and effective way to plan and execute future missions. The use of knot theory to generate rough trajectories quickly and then refine them allows space agencies to easily explore all possible routes from one orbit to another, enabling them to select the best route for their specific mission requirements. The potential applications of this technique extend beyond the Moon and can be adapted for missions to other planetary systems, broadening its impact on the field of space exploration.
Overall, the development of this new method by the University of Surrey represents a significant advancement in the field of space mission planning. By utilizing mathematics to reveal all possible routes from one orbit to another, without the need for guesswork or excessive computing power, mission planners can streamline the process of finding optimal routes for spacecraft. The successful testing of this technique on various planetary systems demonstrates its versatility and potential for use in a wide range of future space missions. Moving forward, this new method has the potential to revolutionize the way space agencies plan and execute missions, making space exploration more efficient and cost-effective.
