Originally, I only wanted to compute the optimal control inputs for landing a rocket. The goal has since branched out to first starting a rocket optimally and getting it to orbit before actually landing it.
A preliminary model of the rocket is finished and produces more or less sensible results.
- Gravity: Earth reduced to a point mass, gravity coming from the center of the earth.
- Atmosphere: Density, pressure, and temperature model taken from NASA
- Aerodynamics/Drag: Currently reduced to the drag acting on a sphere
- Control input:
- Unlimited action in lateral direction ("thrusters" that do not consume fuel)
- Fuel consuming engine in longitudinal direction. Only positive input possible.
- Better aerodynamic model
- Extend rocket to have a nose-cone: include center of pressure in the aerodynamic model
- Include Lift/Drag (lead to automatic stabilization of the rocket)