Mars entry guidance and navigation analysis using linear covariance techniques for the safe and precise landing – integrated capabilities evolution (Splice) project

James W. Williams, David C. Woffinden, Zachary R. Putnam

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Flight performance of a Mars entry, descent, and landing system depends on the complex interaction between the guidance, navigation, and control system, mission concept of operations, trajectory design, vehicle configuration, actuators, disturbance accelerations and torques, environment modeling and atmospheric uncertainty, and top-level mission constraints. Consequently, analyzing a closed-loop, six degree-of-freedom guidance, navigation, and control system for atmospheric entry and powered descent and landing has traditionally required Monte Carlo analysis which generally implies extensive computational resources. This paper employs a previously derived linear covariance analysis formulation to quickly and reliably evaluate the guidance and navigation performance for a notional Mars entry, descent, and landing system to demonstrate precision landing. The analysis includes navigation performance, trajectory dispersions, propellant usage, and sensitivity analysis. A preliminary comparison between the linear covariance analysis and Monte Carlo results is provided. Results indicate good agreement between the linear covariance and Monte Carlo techniques.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA Scitech 2020 Forum
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
Pages1-19
Number of pages19
ISBN (Print)9781624105951
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020
EventAIAA Scitech Forum, 2020 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jan 6 2020Jan 10 2020

Publication series

NameAIAA Scitech 2020 Forum
Volume1 PartF

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Scitech Forum, 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period1/6/201/10/20

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering

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