Tutorial Sessions

Workshop Focus

Leverage high-fidelity simulation environments and integrated modelling platforms to design, analyse, and optimize lunar trajectories that meet mission and payload requirements. This workshop explores advanced techniques in multi-body dynamics, system-level design, and constellation planning for mission development in the Earth–Moon system.

Abstract

The renewed global interest in lunar exploration has accelerated the need for robust trajectory design and optimization capabilities that operate within the complex gravitational environment of the Earth–Moon system. Recent advancements in high-fidelity simulation tools and integrated modelling platforms have made it possible to evaluate mission concepts under multi-body dynamics with unprecedented precision. This workshop focuses on applying such tools—especially Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK) Astrogator and Cislunar Orbit Designer (CODE)—to develop end-to-end simulations that support system-level mission design, constellation architecture, and payload optimization for lunar and Cislunar missions.

Through a combination of technical talks, live demonstrations, and real-world case studies, participants will gain exposure to simulation-based workflows that incorporate lunar orbit propagation, stability assessments, and trajectory optimization in three-body and multi-body regimes. These techniques are instrumental in designing mission scenarios that are compliant with international safety standards and are adaptable to evolving payload and launch requirements.

This workshop also emphasizes supporting mission extension to Sun–Earth Lagrange points and Martian orbits. The final sessions will include real-world insights into mission operations and ground control from Indian space industry experts, extending the applicability of these techniques to broader interplanetary contexts.

Objectives

• Model lunar and Cislunar missions using high-fidelity simulation environments incorporating multi-body dynamics and orbit propagation tools.
• Design and evaluate constellation architectures for lunar observation and communication, optimized across performance metrics such as coverage, latency, and revisit time.
• Understand stability regimes around Libration points and how these influence mission design, insertion strategies, and station-keeping maneuvers.
• Extend simulation-driven design practices from lunar scenarios to interplanetary missions with a focus on Mars orbit design and ground segment operations.

Target Audience

• Aerospace professionals, researchers, and students interested in lunar trajectory design, mission planning, and payload optimization using advanced simulation platforms.
• Practitioners seeking to apply digital engineering and integrated modelling tools to develop complex missions in Cislunar and interplanetary space.
• Industry teams working on lunar or Mars-bound payloads or supporting ground station control systems for deep-space missions.

Abstracts for Talks

Intro to High-Fidelity Trajectory Design (Speaker: Dr. Sarthak Srivastava)
This session introduces participants to STK Astrogator and its role in trajectory planning for lunar missions. Attendees will learn how to set up a mission profile, perform orbit propagation using high-fidelity integrators, and design maneuvers under lunar gravity influences. Use cases will demonstrate initial orbit selection, transfer planning, and insertion strategies.

Three-Body Dynamics for Lunar Orbit Simulation (Speaker: Dr. Maruthi Akella)
Based on the MOONSHOT morning session, this talk will delve into the restricted three-body problem and its application to lunar trajectories. It will cover periodic and quasi-periodic orbits, halo orbits, and the dynamic behavior of Cislunar transfer paths. Emphasis will be on simulation models that capture non-linear dynamics relevant to Earth–Moon missions.

Cislunar Dynamics & Constellation Design (Speaker: Giuseppe Corrao)
These two sessions explore trajectory and constellation planning using STK and CODE. The first session focuses on Earth–Moon trajectory propagation using STK’s three-body capabilities, while the second emphasizes optimization of Cislunar constellations using simulation-based design space exploration. Topics include coverage metrics, inter-satellite spacing, latency optimization, and trade studies.

Sun–Earth Libration Points: Stability and Mission Design (Speaker: Dr. Sarthak Srivastava)
This session examines trajectory design near Sun–Earth Libration points, with discussion on stability zones, insertion strategies, and orbit maintenance. Applications in communications, observation, and deep-space gateway missions will be discussed using simulation case studies.

Mars Orbit Design and Analysis (Industry Speakers – VSSC)
An in-depth discussion on Mars mission planning using Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) methodologies. Topics include interplanetary trajectory design, Mars orbit capture, and orbital stability under the influence of solar perturbations and Martian gravity.

Ground Station Control for Interplanetary Missions (Industry Speakers – ISTRAC)
An operational overview of ground segment requirements for lunar and deep-space missions. Discussion points include telemetry, tracking, command scheduling, and integration of ground assets for Cislunar and Mars mission support be also discussed.