Atmospheric entry guidance via multiple sliding surfaces control for Mars precision landing

Scott Selnick, Roberto Furfaro, Daniel R. Wibben

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

Abstract

Improving Mars landing accuracy will require the implementation of robust, closed-loop guidance schemes for the entry portion of the atmospheric flight. A novel non-linear atmospheric entry guidance law has been developed for a class of low-lift landers similar to the one expected to be flown in the upcoming Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission. Here we proposed a Multiple Sliding Surface Guidance (MSSG) approach for Mars entry guidance. The presented guidance scheme is based on a higher order sliding mode control theory adapted to account for (1) the specific 2-sliding mode order exhibited by the longitudinal motion of the entry vehicle guided, using bank angle variations and (2) the ability of the system to reach the sliding surface in a finite time. Contrary to more standard methods designed to track a drag-based profile as a function of the range-to-go, the proposed scheme does not require any off-line trajectory generation and therefore it is suitable for real-time implementation. The global stability nature of the MSSG law is proven by using a Lyapunov-based approach. A parametric study has been conducted to understand the behavior of such class of trajectories as a function of the guidance parameters. The MSSG algorithm targeting ability is analyzed through a set of Monte Carlo simulations where the guidance law is required to operate under off-nominal conditions. Simulation results show good performance under perturbations and parameter uncertainties.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASTRODYNAMICS 2011 - Advances in the Astronautical Sciences
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference
Pages867-885
Number of pages19
StatePublished - 2012
Event2011 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, ASTRODYNAMICS 2011 - Girdwood, AK, United States
Duration: Jul 31 2011Aug 4 2011

Publication series

NameAdvances in the Astronautical Sciences
Volume142
ISSN (Print)0065-3438

Other

Other2011 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, ASTRODYNAMICS 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityGirdwood, AK
Period7/31/118/4/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Atmospheric entry guidance via multiple sliding surfaces control for Mars precision landing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this