Rocket Launch Trajectory Simulation and Optimization Using Python

🛰️ Project Overview

Build a Python-based simulation tool that:
✅ Simulates rocket launch trajectories under Earth’s gravity and atmospheric drag.
✅ Visualizes trajectory paths (altitude vs. time, velocity vs. time).
✅ Allows users to change parameters (mass, thrust, drag coefficient, fuel burn rate).
✅ Optimizes launch angles and thrust profiles to reach Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or desired altitudes efficiently.

🎯 Why this project is excellent:

✅ Directly related to rocket science and spacecraft launches.
✅ Applies Physics + Numerical Methods + CS skills.
✅ Demonstrates simulation, data visualization, optimization, and modeling.
✅ Can evolve into research on trajectory optimization for multi-stage rockets.
✅ Adds space-focused CS credibility for internships at ISRO, SpaceX, or research labs.

⚙️ What your project will do:

1️⃣ Take user inputs:

  • Rocket mass, fuel mass, thrust, drag coefficient, launch angle.

  • Engine burn time and Isp (specific impulse).

2️⃣ Simulate the launch using numerical integration (Euler or Runge-Kutta):

  • Calculate position, velocity, and altitude at each time step.

  • Account for:

    • Gravity variation with altitude.

    • Atmospheric drag.

    • Thrust and fuel burn.

3️⃣ Visualize:

  • Altitude vs. time.

  • Velocity vs. time.

  • Trajectory path (2D/3D).

  • Fuel remaining vs. time.

4️⃣ Optimization module:

  • Find optimal launch angle to maximize altitude or minimize fuel for a target altitude.

🚀 Optional Advanced Extensions:

✅ Add multi-stage rocket simulation.
✅ Simulate orbital insertion (circularization burn at apoapsis).
✅ Implement a simple GUI using Streamlit or Tkinter.
✅ Add real-world rocket data (like Falcon 9, PSLV) to compare your simulation.
✅ Extend to Moon or Mars trajectory simulation using patched conics (advanced).

🛠️ Tech Stack:

✅ Python for the simulation and numerical methods.
✅ Matplotlib / Plotly for visualization.
✅ Numpy for calculations.
✅ (Optional) Streamlit for an interactive web app interface.

📈 Learning Outcomes:

✅ Gain practical exposure to physics modeling for rockets.
✅ Deepen numerical methods understanding.
✅ Learn data visualization and interpretation.
✅ Create a portfolio-friendly space project.

🗂️ Example Project Flow:

✅ Week 1: Study rocket equation, drag modeling, gravity modeling.
✅ Week 2: Code a basic 1D vertical launch simulator.
✅ Week 3: Extend to 2D trajectory with angle input.
✅ Week 4: Add visualization and UI.
✅ Week 5: Add optimization (angle/fuel).
✅ Week 6: Test with real parameters, prepare report/blog.

🛠️ Tools you will learn:

✅ Tsiolkovsky rocket equation application.
✅ Runge-Kutta integration methods.
✅ Physics simulation tuning.
✅ Plotting clear, professional graphs.
✅ Optional web-based interactive simulations.

If you wish, I can now prepare:

✅ Detailed Project Abstract for your professor.
✅ System architecture diagram for your report and blog.
✅ Learning resources (YouTube/Book references) to get started.
✅ A minimal Python code skeleton to kickstart your simulation.
✅ Blog post outline for your documentation.

This project aligns with your dream of working at ISRO/SpaceX/NASA, your CS learning goals, and your passion for space missions.

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