SUMMARY OF EXPLORATION FOR THE FIRST UNDERGRADUATE RACEWAY IN THE CHINA TRAJECTORY OPTIMIZATION COMPETITION

The 13th China Trajectory Optimization Competition (CTOC-13) introduced two major innovations: the inaugural undergraduate division and a software-based competition format. The problem design was inspired by rapid-response space missions, challenging participantes to optimize emergency observation mission through intelligent constellation configuration and maneuver planning. To support competitors, the organizers provided ATK (Aerospace Tool Kit), a mission design software equipped with built-in tools for real-time problem-solving and solution verification, significantly enhancing computational efficiency. The event attracted 79 teams from 19 universities. After seven days of intense competition, Tsinghua University emerged as the champion. This paper outlines the competition framework, highlighting the problem statement, key innovations, results, rankings, and post-event survey findings. Building on this experience, we propose adding a “Trajectory Optimization Competition” track to the 15th National Zhou Peiyuan Mechanics Competition.