Three-dimensional acceleration planning for atmospheric entry

The next generation of reusable launch vehicles will benefit from an improved entry guidance algorithm. Improvements have been made to the current Space Shuttle entry guidance algorithm that will provide an ability to handle aborts, reach large crossranges, and provide complete onboard planning capability. Building on the entry guidance algorithm for the Space Shuttle, three versions of a three-dimensional acceleration based entry guidance algorithm have been created and tested. The Space Shuttle entry guidance algorithm is extended to three dimensions by planning the drag profile and the occurrence of bank reversals. The three versions of the planning algorithm that have been developed are a single bank reversal planner, a two bank reversal planner, and a single bank reversal update planner. Tests of the single and two bank reversal versions show that the planning algorithms are capable of producing feasible trajectories for a wide range of various entry conditions. Integration and testing of the update planning algorithm with a feedback linearizing control law in a high fidelity simulation developed by NASA Marshall has demonstrated the algorithm's ability to handle a variety of entry conditions in an onboard environment.