Dyson sphere building: On the design of the GTOC11 problem and summary of the results

The National University of Defense Technology and the Xi'an Satellite Control Center organized the 11th edition of the Global Trajectory Optimization Competition (GTOC11) in 2021. The GTOC11 problem was created as a link between the ninth and tenth editions of the Global Trajectory Optimization Competition to bridge the gap between the planetary and galactic civilizations by introducing an intermediate stellar civilization scenario. The problem involves the construction of a Dyson sphere, a theoretical mega-structure that encircles a star with platforms orbiting in a tight formation to capture the maximum energy from it. Challenges in astrodynamics including the construction-orbit selection, combinatorial flyby of multiple asteroids, and mass distribution among stations were considered in the Dyson sphere design. A total of 94 teams registered for the competition, of which 25 teams provided solutions and passed automatic verification on the website. In this article, we describe the selection of the problem and its design process. In addition, an overview of the entire competition and an analysis of its results are presented.

Automated summary

The National University of Defense Technology and the Xi'an Satellite Control Center organized the 11th edition of the Global Trajectory Optimization Competition (GTOC11) in 2021. The competition aimed to bridge the gap between planetary and galactic civilizations by introducing an intermediate stellar civilization scenario. The participants were tasked with designing a Dyson sphere, a mega-structure that harnesses energy from a star. Challenges in astrodynamics such as orbit selection, asteroid flyby, and mass distribution were considered. 94 teams registered, 25 teams submitted solutions and passed verification.