Numerical predictive entry guidance for Mars low-lifting vehicles

The Mars entry phase is very challenging during Mars landing process, and it is of great importance for Mars landing exploration mission. This paper concentrates on researching the Mars atmospheric entry guidance problem by using an effective numerical predictor-corrector approach. First, based on the entry dynamic model, three nominal scenarios are discussed with different initial entry conditions. Additionally, the bank angle profiles and trajectories are demonstrated respectively, and the influences of initial conditions are analyzed in detail. Then the accuracy and robustness of this entry system are investigated via the dispersed simulation using Monte Carlo method. Furthermore, through considering uncertainty influences, the comparison of precision is made with previous guidance system. Finally, trajectory path constraints including heating rate and load factor are also taken into account via an altitude-rate tracking approach.