The purpose of this LT trajectory tool activity was to produce a tool or suite of tools that allows the LT mission design community to do LT trajectory analyses that:  1) are consistent (between analysts),  2) can be quick turn-around at times when needed (e.g. in hours or days),  and 3) is rigorous, but still with fidelity levels that can be somewhat "dialed in", determined by time allowed.  Goals for the tools themselves were:  that they be easier to use than previous tools, they provide better and/or faster results than previous tools -- both if possible, and provide for more accurate modeling of the forces and environments than previous tools.

LTTT Overview Paper Abstract

A NASA intercenter team has developed a suite of low-thrust (LT) trajectory analysis tools to make a significant improvement in three major facets of LT trajectory and mission analysis.  These are:  1) ease of use, 2) ability to more robustly converge to solutions, and 3) higher fidelity modeling and accuracy of results.  Due mostly to the short duration of the development, the team concluded that a suite of tools was preferred over having one integrated tool.  This tool-suite, their characteristics and applicability will be described.  Trajectory analysts can read this paper and determine which tool is most appropriate for their problem(s).