Description:
The demands to land greater-mass, larger-volume science payloads on the surface of Mars will naturally lead to higher lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) landers. A versatile entry-guidance algorithm capable of pinpoint delivery to parachute deployment and applicable to low-, mid-, and high-L/D landers is needed.
The guidance algorithm 'Evolved Acceleration Guidance Logic for Entry (EAGLE),' developed and tested extensively for Earth entry, is being adapted to Mars entry. The Mars EAGLE is being developed, tested, and validated to support pinpoint landing (within 100 meters).
EAGLE has performance advantages for mid- and higher-L/D landers, relative to the Apollo- and Shuttle-type entry-guidance algorithms, but it is also applicable and effective for low-L/D landers. The trajectory planner in EAGLE is also being adapted to an aerocapture trajectory planner.
Comprehensive real-time simulation testing of the algorithms in flight-like processors is being conducted to bring the algorithms to a high level of technology readiness. A common guidance approach is thus being established to support the full range of landers to be considered for future Mars exploration. |
