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The numerical predictor-corrector guidance with a bank angle parameterization has been employed in various entry examples where only a final range constraint is present. However, a future human Mars landing mission requires an accurate final location and a precise final altitude and velocity at the end of the entry trajectory. This paper proposes to use a quadratic bank parameterization to generate an entry trajectory that satisfies the multi-constraints. A solution space analysis confirms the numerical feasibility of the given entry problem. Monte Carlo simulation results demonstrate the potential applicability of the proposed method for future Human Mars landing missions.
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This content will become publicly available on January 1, 2026
Autonomous numerical predictor-corrector guidance for human Mars landing missions
The numerical predictor-corrector guidance method with a linear bank angle parameterization has been widely applied to various atmospheric entry guidance problems. However, it has been found that the linear bank angle approach has limitations in satisfying the final state requirement of a specific type of atmospheric entry mission. In response, this paper proposes a novel bank angle parameterization based on a logistic function, which improves the energy preservation capability and increases the potential final altitude at the end of the entry phase. The paper also suggests a guideline to determine a guidance law activation point for better entry performance. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed guidance scheme outperforms the linear bank profile approach and is suitable for future human Mars landing missions.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2327379
- PAR ID:
- 10567706
- Publisher / Repository:
- Aerospace Science and Technology
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Aerospace Science and Technology
- Volume:
- 156
- Issue:
- C
- ISSN:
- 1270-9638
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 109755
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- Predictive Guidance Human Mars Exploration
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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