Title:
Statistical Entry, Descent, and Landing Performance Reconstruction of the Mars Science Laboratory
Statistical Entry, Descent, and Landing Performance Reconstruction of the Mars Science Laboratory
Author(s)
Dutta, Soumyo
Braun, Robert D.
Braun, Robert D.
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Abstract
The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft landed an approximately 900 kg rover on Mars
on August 5, 2012 while using the largest aeroshell and supersonic parachute ever utilized
by a planetary entry mission. Similar to past Mars missions, the spacecraft recorded inertial measurement unit data and radar altimeter measurements during its descent through
the Martian atmosphere, but its aeroshell was also instrumented with ush atmospheric
data system sensors that captured the pressure distribution on the vehicle during hypersonic and supersonic flight regimes. The rich data set enabled a comprehensive post flight analysis of the vehicle's trajectory. This paper shows the vehicle's reconstructed
trajectory, aerodynamics, and atmospheric conditions using several statistical estimation
methods, specifically the Extended Kalman filter, Unscented Kalman filter, and adaptive
filter. The statistical estimation methods allow for both state estimation and uncertainty
quantification of model errors, which could improve design of future Mars entry missions.
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Date Issued
2014-01
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Text
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Paper
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