GA optimization of the height of a Low Earth Orbit

The aim of this article is to analyze and explain the results obtained when using a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the ascent trajectory of a conventional two-stages launcher. The purpose of this optimization is to obtain a final stable circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with maximum height. A subset of parameterized variables are optimized by the GA in order to achieve the mission purpose while satisfying the constraints and maximizing the final height of the orbit, given the technical characteristics and limitations of the launcher, and a fixed payload weight. Besides, an adaptive mutation rate has been used that broadens the search space whenever a population becomes uniform, avoiding local maximums. The results have been proved to be successful and useful.