Ascent phase trajectory optimization of launch vehicle using theta-particle swarm optimization with different thrust scenarios

Launch vehicle trajectory optimization has gained enormous significance in the recent past. Constraints handling and accuracy of launch vehicle system, are challenging factors, on account of their high degree of non-linearity. This paper brings in the application of thetaparticle swarm optimization (TH-PSO), which is a recently emerged variant of particle swarm optimization (PSO), for launch vehicle trajectory optimization, which can efficiently handle the constraints and drive the system towards optimality. TH-PSO approach is implemented on a multistage liquid propellant rocket, taking angle of attack as the control parameter. Single and dual thrust cases were solved using TH-PSO technique, and a comparative study was made with classical PSO in terms of terminal error, IE consistency of solutions. Based on the statistics, it can be confirmed that in both single and dual thrust cases TH-PSO outperformed, classical PSO.