Low-thrust trajectory Bacon plots for Mars mission design

Abstract

The best way to understand a mission design trade space is by creating a good map of all the possibilities, and by knowing how to read it. Bacon plots, which are low-thrust analogs to porkchop plots, give insight into key parameters and sensitivities of possible transfers to Mars (or other destinations). They are mission and parameter specific, and can be created to represent single or multiple legs. This paper outlines the creation process and lessons learned in interpreting the results. An example is given on how bacon plots have been employed for complex mission-level optimization.