For Delta-Utec's involvement in ESA's study on Cultural Utilisation of the ISS, please see: Alexander van Dijk

Delta-Utec has developed and acquired several optimization tools. One of them is a genetic algorithm optimizer, developed by Robin Biesbroek. In this support project to Smart 1, an optimal control law for low thrust escape trajectories analytically derived by F. Janssens (ESA/ESTEC) was evaluated. The investigation has led to a support of Janssens' conclusion that even for escape trajectories, with a rapidly increasing semi-major axis, a simple tangential thrust direction provides (near)-optimal results.

In support of the feasibility study for science targets of LunarSat successors, Delta-Utec has developed an orbit integrator and simulator suitable for simultaneous integration and optimization of rendez-vous or fly-by options to an unlimited number of asteroids, with the option to use genetic algorithms. The model includes low thrust option and the possibility to force planetary swing-by's and/or Weak Stability Boundary solutions to be part of the solution. An unlimited number of parameters can be part of the optimization, allowing great freedom in the definition of the thrust program.

Of course, Sun and Moon ephemeris, J2-gravity anomaly and an option for launch time selection is included. A graphical output makes a quick interpretation possible of the orbits found.

Recent missions to the moon, Clementine & Lunar Observer, have put forward the lunar poles as a major target for interplanetary travel. Already predicted by a number of publications, it has finally been generally accepted that these poles have three great advantages for human exploration and scientific interest:

1. Presence of water ice
2. Presence of eternally shadowed, thermally stable and IR shielded craters for the ultimate resolution astronomy
3. Possibility of the Peak of Eternal light: a mountaintop close to the sights of geological and scientific interest that are in permanent Sunlight offering continuous solar power and a benign thermal and radiation environment.

A paper by Delft University of Technology, Delta-Utec and ESTEC for the first time has pinned down these Peaks of Eternal Light on the lunar South Pole and has developed a method for obtaining a three-dimensional profile of these sites, as well as a method to discover the Peaks of Eternal Light on the lunar North Pole, from the small amount of data currently available.

The research has been updated in July 2000 for the ICEUM 4 conference at ESA/ESTEC. Download here.

Activities initiated at ESTEC by Delta-Utec engineering, i.e.

• the development of a lunar surface investigator for communications and lighting conditions in support of mission planning (Lunar Visibility Calculator) as well as
• the proposal and initiation of the development of a physical 3D lunar South Pole model.

have been pursued for EuroMoon by a student from Delft University of Technology, J.F. de Weerd, currently employed by Libertel.

As part of the Delta-Utec R&D program, De Weerd's work has been finalized and documented. His work has resulted in a new set of tools for lunar landing mission planning: