Multi-Objective Trajectory Optimization for Multi-Target Ground Observations with High-Thrust Maneuvers in the Presence of Perturbations

Designing Earth–observation campaigns that visit multiple ground sites from Low Earth Orbit is a balancing act between geometry, timing and propellant. This thesis proposes a practical framework to plan multi-target observations by coupling a realistic dynamical and sensing model with a multiobjective optimizer. The spacecraft motion is propagated with a secular J₂ model, observation feasibility is enforced through nadir-aligned line-of-sight and field-of-view rules with minimum observation time. Operational limits include altitude bounds, mass budget and propellant budget. Trajectory corrections are executed as high-thrust impulsive maneuvers in the RTN frame (tangential and normal components, radial set to zero by design), interspersed with coast phases. The mission design problem is stated as a tri-objective optimization that (i) minimizes total ΔV, (ii) maximizes the number of targets successfully observed within their time windows, and (iii) minimize total latness, that is the cumulative time by which observations exceed their deadlines. The resulting Pareto set is approximated with NSGA-II, and solutions are explored through a dedicated GUI that ingests mission inputs and returns Pareto fronts, maneuver timelines, ECI/ground-track views, and a summary log. Scenario studies confirm clear and actionable trends. A small retargeting budget (tens of m/s) often converts near-misses into on-time observations with steep early returns; moderate increases of field of view merge fragmented access windows and reduce the need for phasing impulses; orbit geometry (inclination and altitude) can unlock opportunities that propellant alone cannot. As the target set grows, shared phasing improves per-target efficiency even if total budget rises. Overall, the framework yields smooth, well-populated fronts and stable convergence, providing a fast, credible tool for trade-space exploration and pre-design of LEO observation campaigns.