Sensitivity analysis for trajectory optimization problems

The optimal design of launch vehicle and spacecraft trajectories is heavily dependent on numerical optimization techniques. After an optimal trajectory design is found; it is natural to ask how the solution changes as parameters which affect it are varied. This area of study, called sensitivity analysis, has been an active area of optimization research over the past decade. In this paper, a sensitivity analysis software package developed for use with a general purpose trajectory simulation/optimization system is discussed. The importance of efficient computational techniques is stressed. In particular, it is shown that the use of problem scaling can increase the accuracy of the results obtained.