Comparison of Performance Predictions for New Low-Thrust Trajectory Tools

Several low thrust trajectory optimization tools have been developed over the last 3½ years by the Low Thrust Trajectory Tools development team. This toolset includes both low-medium fidelity and high fidelity tools which allow the analyst to quickly research a wide mission trade space and perform advanced mission design. These tools were tested using a set of reference trajectories that exercised each tool’s unique capabilities. This paper compares the performance predictions of the various tools against several of th e reference trajectories. The intent is to verify agreement between the high fidelity tools and to quantify the performance prediction differences between tools of different fidelity levels.