Low-thrust heliocentric mission optimization

Setting the Standard for Heliocentric Low-thrust Mission Analysis Software

HILTOP is the first fully-documented and supported low-thrust heliocentric trajectory optimization program to be made commercially available to the space exploration community. Its heritage spans four decades and it has been employed in numerous NASA and industry studies of missions to all the planets and to many comets and asteroids in different mission opportunities. HILTOP has been validated by direct comparison of results with other industry software and has been employed by the developer in various New Frontiers and Discovery class mission proposal developments. Experiences gained with these exercises were used to refine the product to perform more effectively and efficiently in typical situations encountered by a mission analyst.

SpaceFlightSolutions places high priority on the integrity and usability of its software products. Numerous data dependent internal tests are performed during operation to monitor validity of results being calculated and messages are logged of all significant events encountered as a record for subsequent evaluation. Additionally, program options are provided that allow the user to test the optimality of the converged results. To support the learning process, an extensive Mission Analyst’s Guide has been developed that thoroughly explains the development of optimal solutions for several missions of varying complexity, including multi-leg swingby missions. The discussions include descriptions of the thought processes that are involved in various circumstances.

HILTOP constitutes enabling software for complex heliocentric low-thrust trajectory and mission optimization. It performs the heavy lifting of the task under the guidance of an experienced mission analyst. We at SpaceFlightSolutions endeavor to provide not only the sophisticated software to accomplish this, but also the documentation and training that allows the analyst to quickly acquire the experience necessary for productive use of the software. We also invite feedback and suggestions on how this process can be improved.

HILTOP is a trademark of SpaceFlightSolutions

Artist rendition of Deep Space 1 Spacecraft
Courtesy of NASA/JPL/Caltech