ESA GNC Conference Papers Repository

A closed-loop guidance method for low-thrust fuel-optimal interplanetary transfers is developed. The algorithm is based on convex programming and a flipped Radau pseudospectral discretization scheme. New reference trajectories are repeatedly recomputed in certain time intervals. The state of the spacecraft is propagated during these periods using the obtained controls until a new trajectory is to be calculated. A mesh refinement procedure adjusts the number of nodes based on the linearization error. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated in a transfer from Earth to an asteroid. The proposed method is a promising step towards autonomous guidance in real space missions due to its rapid speed and excellent robustness.