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I read the previous question on this site about astrodynamics and I have tried STK (free version) and GMAT, but I could not find software to simulate and optimize a launch trajectory. Is there a free (and ITAR-free) solution for this kind of problems?

Ideally, I would like to be able to simulate trajectories of a reusable first stage returning to the launch site.

TildalWave
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gosnold
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    If you have MATLAB, I've seen some thesis with launcher design that might have something you're looking for. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:527191/FULLTEXT01.pdf – Rajath Pai Aug 15 '19 at 08:10

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Software written in the US? If your launch is anything but a toy rocket that goes up a few hundred feet and if you expect any decent level of accuracy/fidelity from the simulation, probably not. Software written elsewhere, perhaps. ITAR is a US-specific concept.

The problem is that the very same software that will let you simulate a high energy launch with reasonably high accuracy and fidelity is exactly the same software that is needed by nefarious groups hellbent on sending a missile to a US city. This is one of the central areas that results in a piece of space-related software being deemed as ITAR-restricted.

David Hammen
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    Yes, I am hoping maybe an european solution exists. Though putting such software on ITAR does not achieve much, if you have an ICBM you can surely write your own. – gosnold Sep 07 '14 at 19:09