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Main Authors: Chen, Liwei, Qin, Tong, Huangfu, Zhenhua, Li, Li, Wei, Wei
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.06520
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author Chen, Liwei
Qin, Tong
Huangfu, Zhenhua
Li, Li
Wei, Wei
author_facet Chen, Liwei
Qin, Tong
Huangfu, Zhenhua
Li, Li
Wei, Wei
contents We propose a differentiable optimization framework for flip-and-landing trajectory design of reusable spacecraft, exemplified by the Starship vehicle. A deep neural network surrogate, trained on high-fidelity CFD data, predicts aerodynamic forces and moments, and is tightly coupled with a differentiable rigid-body dynamics solver. This enables end-to-end gradient-based trajectory optimization without linearization or convex relaxation. The framework handles actuator limits and terminal landing constraints, producing physically consistent, optimized control sequences. Both standard automatic differentiation and Neural ODEs are applied to support long-horizon rollouts. Results demonstrate the framework's effectiveness in modeling and optimizing complex maneuvers with high nonlinearities. This work lays the groundwork for future extensions involving unsteady aerodynamics, plume interactions, and intelligent guidance design.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2508_06520
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Optimization of Flip-Landing Trajectories for Starship based on a Deep Learned Simulator
Chen, Liwei
Qin, Tong
Huangfu, Zhenhua
Li, Li
Wei, Wei
Robotics
Systems and Control
We propose a differentiable optimization framework for flip-and-landing trajectory design of reusable spacecraft, exemplified by the Starship vehicle. A deep neural network surrogate, trained on high-fidelity CFD data, predicts aerodynamic forces and moments, and is tightly coupled with a differentiable rigid-body dynamics solver. This enables end-to-end gradient-based trajectory optimization without linearization or convex relaxation. The framework handles actuator limits and terminal landing constraints, producing physically consistent, optimized control sequences. Both standard automatic differentiation and Neural ODEs are applied to support long-horizon rollouts. Results demonstrate the framework's effectiveness in modeling and optimizing complex maneuvers with high nonlinearities. This work lays the groundwork for future extensions involving unsteady aerodynamics, plume interactions, and intelligent guidance design.
title Optimization of Flip-Landing Trajectories for Starship based on a Deep Learned Simulator
topic Robotics
Systems and Control
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.06520