Numerical predictor-corrector based planetary atmospheric entry guidance with path constraints

The relief of load and heat flux is of great significance for the safety of entry vehicle and the improvement of life safety and landing comfort of astronauts in future manned planetary landing missions. This paper focuses on developing an onboard planetary atmospheric entry guidance method, which could relieve peak load and heat flux while satisfying terminal constraints. Propositions for determining the optimal bank angle profile are presented and proved, which transforms the optimal guidance problem into a parameter searching task. This task is solved using the numerical predictor–corrector strategy. The proposed guidance method is illustrated through Mars Science Laboratory mission based numerical simulation.