Parameter estimation and optimal control of large-scale differential-algebraic equation systems is a challenging computational problem with many important applications. To solve this problem efficiently requires robust methods and software for solving nonlinear inequality constrained optimization problems, solution and sensitvity analysis for large-scale DAE systems, and algorithms for the dynamic optimization which make effective use of the problem structure.

We will present our algorithm and software (COOPT) for dynamic optimization, with application to a problem of spacecraft trajectory optimization. We address the computation of the required correction maneuvers (TCM) for a halo orbit mission to compensate for the launch velocity errors introduced by inaccuracies of the launch vehicle. Our approach enables parametric studies of the resulting optimal insertion trajectory, such as how the magnitude of the errors and the timing of the first TCM affect the optimal trajectory.