Launch analyses supporting conceptual human-precursor robotic asteroid missions

From a set of carefully selected asteroids, a study of conceptual asteroid missions was conducted using a stochastic direct search global optimization process, assuming a set of Key Performance Parameters (KPP's). The key parameters from the best case set included the minimum Escape Energy (C3) as well as the minimum mission total delta V for each asteroid, for both direct and gravity assisted missions. The objective of the current study to determine the launch window times required to achieve ascent and injection onto the outbound trajectory required for either the direct or gravity assisted mission to the selected asteroid, taking into consideration the impact of the range safety limits on the launch azimuths. A set of flyout trajectory orbital elements corresponding to the launch windows will be provided, and a preliminary assessment of the resulting launch vehicle payload delivery capability and margins will be conducted provided based on launch vehicle vendor data.