Monte-Carlo simulation of Mars atmospheric entry

Mars atmospheric entry is an important phase in Mars exploration mission. The higherthe accuracy of this phase, more precise will be landing. In order to perform preciselanding, the vehicle should reach the desired latitude and longitude in parachutedeployment point. However, due to a variety of uncertainties in the initial conditions,vehicle mass and inertia, aerodynamic coefficients and Martian density, a Monte-Carlosimulation is usually performed to obtain a target miss distance in the latitude-longitudespace. The target miss distance should be as small as possible for successful landing. Inthis paper, considering uncertainties in initial conditions, density and aerodynamicparameters, Monte-Carlo simulation is performed to obtain the target miss distance. Theresults show that the target miss distance is approximately ۳۰ km for ۱۰۰۰ Monte-Carlosimulations. This result is not acceptable for precise landing on Mars surface. Therefore,sophisticated control methods should be designed to reduce the target miss distance foractual Mars missions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Mars atmospheric entry ، Monte-Carlo simulation ، Uncertainty ، Target miss distance