Publisher:Pasadena, CA : Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2011.
Citation:AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Girdwood, Alaska, July 31 ‐ August 4, 2011
Abstract:
The traditional role that altimetry and velocimetry have played in spacecraft landings is to provide a direct measure of the spacecraft's surface altitude and surface relative velocity; however, their role in determining an inertial position and velocity has seen limited investigation. In this study, inertially sensitive measurement models for altimetry and velocimetry are formulated that include relevant instrument and environment error models. These models are applied and simulated for a realistic lunar landing scenario that is based on recent work for NASA's Altair lander. The preliminary results indicate that inertial landing accuracies of several meters are possible.