Comparison of Guidance Methods for Autonomous Planetary Lander
Author
Harris, Wyatt Jacob
Date
2011Advisor
Spanos, Pol D.
Degree
Master of Science
Abstract
Guidance methods for a powered descent planetary lander are examined. Several
guidance laws are developed and analyzed including Apollo derived, modified Apollo,
time efficient and fuel efficient methods. These laws are implemented using two
different methods: Apollo approach, and real time. The equations of motion for an
arbitrary planetary lander with sloshing fuel and a gimbaled nozzle are derived using a
Newtonian approach. A six degree of freedom (6DOF) simulation of the vehicle system
dynamics is programmed in Simulink to test the various guidance methods. The
guidance methods are assessed using several different trajectories.
Keyword
Mechanical engineering; Materials science