Mass Leak

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A technique of introducing a tiny mass flow rate into the equations of motion with thrust input, to avoid singularities when mass approaches zero or when thrust direction computation becomes ill-conditioned during optimization. In low-thrust trajectory optimization, mass remains constant during coast arcs, but this discontinuity can cause loss of gradient information or numerical instability. Mass leak allows infinitesimal mass depletion even during zero-thrust phases, keeping the dynamics smooth everywhere so the optimizer can stably search for optimal solutions.

Application Value

This concept is essential for understanding motion characteristics in orbital design and control, and plays a vital role in mission success.

  • Minimum Norm Solution
  • Rigid Body Dynamics
  • Variable-Size Design Space, VSDS
  • Analytical Gradient

References

  • Oue等 - 2025 - Low-Thrust Many-Revolution Transfer between Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit and Low Lunar Orbit Using Hybrid Differential Dynamic Programming
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong