← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The research outlined in this proposal will investigate the use of direct force control (DFC) to enhance hypersonic and supersonic entry control for Mars entry vehicles. A framework will be developed to realistically assess the entry performance of different configurations of DFC vehicles, by performing medium- to high-fidelity trajectory simulations. Simulations will incorporate vehicle aerodynamic models, which are based on the particular vehicle configuration being simulated. Guidance schemes will be developed and/or adapted to provide maximum performance for a general DFC vehicle and will be implemented into the trajectory simulations. Lastly, a method for automatically generating a controller for a particular DFC vehicle configuration will be created and implemented into flight mechanics simulations. Vehicle configurations will be assessed based on their precision landing capability, ability to provide mass savings, flight dynamics characteristics, and potential to provide a wider flight envelope. This research seeks to increase the technology readiness level of DFC for Mars entry vehicles, by comparing the performance of different DFC vehicle configurations to each other and to the current state-of-the-art, as well as assessing if DFC provides sufficient performance when simulated with realistic vehicle capabilities and limitations.
This research seeks to increase the technology readiness level of DFC for Mars entry vehicles, by comparing the performance of different DFC vehicle configurations to each other and to the current state-of-the-art, as well as assessing if DFC provides sufficient performance when simulated with realistic vehicle capabilities and limitations.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.