# Global Search of Optimal Spacecraft Trajectories using Amortization and Deep Generative Models

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.20023 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.20023/

## Key facts

- Cited by 6 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 28 Dec 2024.

## Built on by (most cited first, 6 of 6)

- [Global Search for Optimal Low Thrust Spacecraft Trajectories using Diffusion Models and the Indirect Method](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.07005/) (2025)
- [Aligning Diffusion Model with Problem Constraints for Trajectory Optimization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.00342/) (2025)
- [Self-supervised diffusion model fine-tuning for costate initialization using Markov chain Monte Carlo](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.02527/) (2025)
- [Transfer Learning of Multiobjective Indirect Low-Thrust Trajectories Using Diffusion Models and Markov Chain Monte Carlo](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.09125/) (2026)
- [GLENS: Global Search via Learning from Solver Iterates with Diffusion Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.00366/) (2026)
- [Complexity Bounds and Approaches to Learning Projected Gradient Descent Solver Iterates](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2607.22467/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Preliminary spacecraft trajectory optimization is a parameter dependent global search problem that aims to provide a set of solutions that are of high quality and diverse. In the case of numerical solution, it is dependent on the original optimal control problem, the choice of a control transcription, and the behavior of a gradient based numerical solver. In this paper we formulate the parameterized global search problem as the task of sampling a conditional probability distribution with support on the neighborhoods of local basins of attraction to the high quality solutions. The conditional distribution is learned and represented using deep generative models that allow for prediction of how the local basins change as parameters vary. The approach is benchmarked on a low thrust spacecraft trajectory optimization problem in the circular restricted three-body problem, showing significant speed-up over a simple multi-start method and vanilla machine learning approaches. The paper also provides an in-depth analysis of the multi-modal funnel structure of a low-thrust spacecraft trajectory optimization problem.