Transfer and station-keeping strategies for observation orbits around small bodies and planetary moons

In the last decade, space agencies around the world have shown an increasing interest towards the exploration of small bodies and planetary moons. However, despite the great scientific return obtained by missions such as Rosetta, Hayabusa 2, and OSIRIS-ReX, challenges remain in navigating the dynamical environment around small irregular objects owing to gravitational uncertainties and communication delays.

This project aims at developing cutting-edge technologies for transfer and station-keeping analyses near asteroids, comets, and small planetary moons. High-order and convex optimization methods are being explored within the framework of the Martian Moons eXploration mission to support the next generation of small body missions.