Multi-Dimensional Parachute Deployment Box for Mars Precision Landing

Abstract

The parachute deployment conditions during the terminal entry phase in Mars landing missions exhibit critical impact on landing precision. In this article, aiming at the requirements of safe parachute deployment and accurate landing, a multi-dimensional parachute deployment box for determining deployment condition during Mars landing was proposed. First, an extreme-range optimization model was established, synthesizing the dynamics and constraints of both parachute descent and powered descent phases. Then, on the basis of the two-dimensional altitude-velocity deployment box, a multi-dimensional parachute deployment box characterized by altitude, velocity, flight-path angle, and extreme range was constructed through the integration of extreme range information. Furthermore, an evaluation index for landing precision was formulated and a deployment control logic was proposed for minimizing landing deviation. Finally, the proposed deployment box was simulated in a Mars landing mission. The results demonstrate that the proposed box effectively satisfies safe deployment and landing precision demands, eliminating the range-to-go error at the terminal of the entry phase.

Keywords

Mars exploration / precision landing / multiple constraints / parachute deployment box / parachute deployment control