5. Conclusion

This paper presented the problem of planning space debris clean-up missions. The optimization problem is very difficult, as it involves integer variables (debris selection), real variables (capture dates) and control laws (minimum consumption orbital transfers).

The solution involves using a simplified transfer strategy adapted to circular orbits. The transfer from one piece of debris to the next takes place via an optimized circular drift orbit. This orbit enables the change of plane in right ascension to be achieved free of charge, thanks to the precession effect caused by the Earth's flattening. By optimizing elementary transfers for a set of initial dates and durations, cost matrices are constructed. A simulated annealing method is then used to optimize the choice of debris and capture dates by interpolating the costs in the grid of pre-calculated matrices....