Abstract Human desire to explore Mars has persisted throughout history, and especially, it is required to achieve precise and safe landings on the Martian surface. The atmospheric entry phase plays a crucial role in ensuring mission success, and active research on entry guidance methods continues. This paper presents a comparative study between the two primary types of entry guidance methods: (1) path planning-tracking and (2) predictor–corrector methods by applying them to solve two distinct Mars atmospheric entry guidance problems: (a) robotic entry and (b) human entry missions. Optimization approaches are adopted for the path planning-tracking method. After generating an optimal reference trajectory based on a mission concept-defined cost function, the receding horizon control method is employed to minimize tracking errors. In the predictor–corrector method, two parameterized entry guidance approaches are explored and analyzed. A well-known numerical predictor–corrector method that utilizes a parameterized bank angle profile for entry trajectory generation is tested to demonstrate its robustness against random dispersions. On the other hand, another predictor–corrector type guidance method that assumes a polynomial shape to shape an altitude profile over range-to-go is adopted to show its range control capability. Numerical simulations reveal the pros and cons of each type of entry guidance method, and a suitable guidance method for each Mars entry mission is identified depending on the mission concept and requirements. The analysis results provide future work.

    Highlights A comparative study between path planning-tracking and predictor-corrector guidance methods. Mars atmospheric entry problem for robotic and human landing missions. Optimization approaches for reference trajectory generation and path tracking. Numerical predictor-corrector based on parameterized bank angle and altitude profiles.


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    Title :

    A comparative study of entry guidance for Mars robotic and human landing missions


    Contributors:
    Lee, Youngro (author) / Lee, Dae Young (author) / Wie, Bong (author)

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 215 ; 178-193


    Publication date :

    2023-11-27


    Size :

    16 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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