Enhanced predictor–corrector Mars entry guidance approach with atmospheric uncertainties

Due to the long-range data communication and complex Mars environment, the Mars lander needs to promote the ability to autonomously adapt uncertain situations ensuring high precision landing in future Mars missions. Based on the analysis of multiple disturbances, this study demonstrates an enhanced predictor–corrector guidance method to deal with the effect of atmospheric uncertainties during the entry phase of the Mars landing. In the proposed method, the predictor–corrector guidance algorithm is designed to autonomously drive the Mars lander to the parachute deployment. Meanwhile, the disturbance observer is designed to onboard estimate the effect of fiercely varying atmospheric uncertainties resulting from rapidly height decreasing. Then, with the estimation of atmospheric uncertainties compensated in the feed-forward channel, the composite guidance method is put forward such that both anti-disturbance and autonomous performance of the Mars lander guidance system are improved. Convergence of the proposed composite method is analysed. Simulations for a Mars lander entry guidance system demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms the baseline method in consideration of the atmospheric uncertainties.