OPTIMUM SOFT LANDING TRAJECTORIES. PART 2: NUMERICAL RESULTS
Abstract
The optimum steering program for landing on an airless body is examined numerically with particular emphasis on the change in the form of the steering progam and the degradation of performance under the influence of a restraint on the ignition altitude. It is found that for ignition altitudes not far below the optimm, the perform-ANCE LOSS IS SMALL, AND THAT THE IGNITION ALTITUDE FOR WHICH THE OPTIMUM STEERING PROGRAM IS A CONSTANT ANGLE FALLS WITHIN THIS RANGE. Thus it is concluded that the constant-thrust-angle trajectory is optimum in an operational system. This conclusion is vaid only for relatively steep approach trajectories. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0287881
Entities
People
- Lawrence J. Berman
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology