Onboard guidance algorithm for the powered landing phase of a reusable rocket

SONG Yu; ZHANG Wei; MIAO Xinyuan; ZHANG Zhiguo; GONG Shengping

doi:10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2020.26.015

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Journal of Tsinghua University(Science and Technology) ›› 2021, Vol. 61 ›› Issue (3) : 230-239. DOI: 10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2020.26.015

AEROSPACE AND ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Onboard guidance algorithm for the powered landing phase of a reusable rocket

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Abstract

Precise soft rocket recovery landings require precise guidance, navigation, and control. A convex optimization guidance algorithm was developed for soft vertical rocket recovery landings and tested in a closed-loop simulation system. A lossless convex model was combined with successive convex iterations to transform the rocket recovery stage guidance problem into a convex optimization problem using the interior point method. The algorithm robustness was evaluated for various factors including random atmospheric disturbances, engine throttling characteristics, random navigation system deviations, and system delays. The simulations show that the onboard guidance algorithm has millisecond convergence and is very robust. Various simulations show that the closed-loop simulation results can provide precise soft landings for rocket recovery even with the combined effects of various disturbances including dynamic environments, control and navigation system deviations, and system delays.

Key words

reusable rocket / pinpoint soft landing / onboard guidance law / convex optimization / close-loop simulation

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SONG Yu, ZHANG Wei, MIAO Xinyuan, ZHANG Zhiguo, GONG Shengping. Onboard guidance algorithm for the powered landing phase of a reusable rocket[J]. Journal of Tsinghua University(Science and Technology). 2021, 61(3): 230-239 https://doi.org/10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2020.26.015

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