Space Engineering: Modeling and Optimization with Case Studies

This book presents a selection of advanced case studies that cover a substantial range of issues and real-world challenges and applications in space engineering. Vital mathematical modeling, optimization methodologies and numerical solution aspects of each application case study are presented in detail, with discussions of a range of advanced model development and solution techniques and tools.

Space engineering challenges are discussed in the following contexts:

•Advanced Space Vehicle Design

•Computation of Optimal Low Thrust Transfers

•Indirect Optimization of Spacecraft Trajectories

•Resource-Constrained Scheduling,

•Packing Problems in Space

•Design of Complex Interplanetary Trajectories

•Satellite Constellation Image Acquisition

•Re-entry Test Vehicle Configuration Selection

•Collision Risk Assessment on Perturbed Orbits

•Optimal Robust Design of Hybrid Rocket Engines

•Nonlinear Regression Analysis in Space Engineering

•Regression-Based Sensitivity Analysis and Robust Design

•Low-Thrust Multi-Revolution Orbit Transfers

•Modeling and Optimization of Balance Layout Problems

•Pilot-Induced Oscillations Alleviation

•Modeling and Optimization of Hybrid Transfers to Near-Earth Objects

•Probabilistic Safety Analysis of the Collision Between Space Debris and Satellite

•Flatness-based Low-thrust Trajectory Optimization for Spacecraft Proximity Operations

The contributing authors are expert researchers and practitioners in either the space engineering and/or in the applied optimization fields. Researchers and practitioners working in various applied aspects of space engineering will find this book practical and informative. Academics, graduate and post-graduate students in aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, operations research, optimization, and optimal control, will find this book useful.  

Giorgio Fasano is a researcher and practitioner at Thales Alenia Space, with three decades of experience in the field of optimization and space engineering applications. He holds a MSc degree in Mathematics, and he is a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA, UK), with the designations of Chartered Mathematician (IMA, UK) and Chartered Scientist (Science Council, UK). His interests include mathematical modelling, operations research, mixed integer programming, global optimization, and optimal control. He is the author of Solving Non-standard Packing Problems by Global Optimization and Heuristics (Springer, 2014), and a co-editor of Operations Research in Space and Air (Ciriani et al., Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2003), as well as co-editor with Pintér of two other volumes, see below. He also wrote a number of other publications related to optimization in space.

János D. Pintér is a researcher and practitioner with over four decades of experience in the area of systems modeling, analytics, and optimization, with an emphasis on algorithm and software development for nonlinear optimization. He holds MSc, PhD and DSc degrees in Mathematics. He has authored and edited 10 books (so far) including the award-winning monograph Global Optimization in Action. He also wrote nearly 200 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and other research documents. Dr. Pintér is (or has been) a member and officer of professional organizations including CORS, EUROPT, HORS, INFORMS; and he serves / served on the editorial board of international professional journals including the Journal of Global Optimization. Dr. Pintér is the principal developer or co-developer of a range of nonlinear optimization software products. These products are used worldwide by researchers and practitioners in academia, and at business and research organizations. He also offers optimization courses (as well as a range of other university or professional training courses) on demand. For more information, please visit www.pinterconsulting.com.