A review of trajectory planning for high speed vehicles: Current advancements and future prospects

High Speed Vehicles (HSVs) represent a critical aerospace technology with significant strategic implications, where trajectory planning is regarded as the core supporting technology for mission effectiveness. To improve the operational capability of HSV in complex environments, this paper systematically discusses and summarizes recent advances in trajectory planning. First, state-of-the-art methodologies for HSV trajectory planning are examined, research advances and technical challenges are comprehensively reviewed. A systematic framework encompassing problem definition, mathematical modeling, and overall formulation is outlined. Second, comparative evaluations are conducted among three dominant computational approaches, namely indirect methods, direct methods, and intelligent algorithms. Finally, critical technical bottlenecks are categorized into four hierarchical challenges: the object-level complexity of multi-physics coupling, situational-level demands for real-time threat awareness, execution-level requirements for algorithmic efficiency and robustness, and system-level coordination of multi-vehicle operations. Overall, this review establishes a methodological foundation for HSV trajectory planning and provides strategic insights for advancing next-generation aerospace mission technologies.