Magazine Article

Smart-Divert Powered Descent Guidance to Avoid the Backshell Landing Dispersion Ellipse

TBMG-16142

04/01/2013

Abstract
Content

A smart-divert capability has been added into the Powered Descent Guidance (PDG) software originally developed for Mars pinpoint and precision landing. The smart-divert algorithm accounts for the landing dispersions of the entry backshell, which separates from the lander vehicle at the end of the parachute descent phase and prior to powered descent. The smart-divert PDG algorithm utilizes the onboard fuel and vehicle thrust vectoring to mitigate landing error in an intelligent way: ensuring that the lander touches down with minimum- fuel usage at the minimum distance from the desired landing location that also avoids impact by the descending backshell.

Details
Citation
"Smart-Divert Powered Descent Guidance to Avoid the Backshell Landing Dispersion Ellipse," Mobility Engineering, April 1, 2013.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Apr 1, 2013
Product Code
TBMG-16142
Content Type
Magazine Article
Language
English