GPU Accelerated Genetic Algorithm for Multiple Gravity-Assist and Impulsive ∆V Maneuvers

A combination of multiple gravity-assist and impulsive ∆V maneuvers are often utilized for interplanetary missions to outer planets, such as NASA’s Galileo and Cassini missions. Such complex interplanetary missions often require the optimization of more than 20 variables, making brute force and traditional NLP methods difficult, if not impossible. In this paper a genetic algorithm, which utilizes the computational power of modern GPUs, is developed to solve the problem of designing advanced mission. By using modern GPUs the computational burden for advanced mission designs can be drastically reduced over traditional CPU optimization programs, allowing the mission designer to explore multiple mission scenarios or other mission options.