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Prior to Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), Mars landers flew ballistic entry trajectories. Improvements in landing accuracy (from ∼150 km from the target for Mars Pathfinder to ∼30–40 km for Mars Exploration Rover and Phoenix) were solely due to improved approach navigation. MSL will fly the first guided-entry trajectory to Mars, further improving accuracy to ∼10–12 km from the target by modifying the...
The PDG (Powered Descent Guidance) algorithm provides a numerical method for onboard generation of guidance profiles for use during the powered-descent phase of Mars pinpoint or precision landing. The algorithm incorporates both state and control constraints, including minimum and maximum thrust limits, glideslope constraints to avoid impacting the surface, and speed and attitude constraints. These...
Reconnaisance of asteroids has thus far been accomplished on a limited scale. The scientific community has expressed interest in conducting long-term reconnaisance of multiple mainbelt asteroids and returning a sample from a mainbelt asteroid, with Ceres and Vesta the targets of greatest interest. This work presents results of preliminary feasibility studies of these missions. Since propellant requirements...
The Cassini mission to Saturn employs a Saturn orbiter and a Titan probe to conduct an intensive investigation of the Saturnian system. The orbiter flies a series of orbits, incorporating flybys of the Saturnian satellites, called the ‘satellite tour.’ During the tour, the gravitational fields of the satellites (mainly Titan) are used to modify and control the orbit, targeting from one satellite flyby...
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