Fuel Optimal Large Divert Guidance for Planetary Pinpoint Landing (G-FOLD) (G-FOLD)

Completed TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

We propose to develop an onboard guidance algorithm and implement it as real-time software to compute fuel optimal trajectories for the large divert landing maneuvers that are necessary to achieve planetary pinpoint landing. The onboard algorithm will be customized in order to autonomously compute a fuel optimal trajectory in a fraction of a second by using the onboard computer. The ground version of the algorithm is currently at TRL-3. This task will develop the onboard algorithm and software and test it on a flight computer, which will bring the readiness level to TRL-5.
G-FOLD: A Real-Time Implementable Fuel Optimal Large Divert Guidance Algorithm for Planetary Pinpoint Landing

Paper (March 2014): ADAPT demonstrations of onboard large-divert Guidance with a VTVL rocket

Benefits

"The collaboration between JPL and Masten to test G-FOLD is a great example of how we hope to further the exploration of the solar system while building up the industrial base needed to advance future space endeavors."

Details

Technology area	Entry, Descent, and Landing > Flight Mechanics and GN&C for Entry, Descent, and Safe Precise Landing
Program	Flight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organization	Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Start date	2012-09-30
End date	2014-03-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Behcet Acikmese — behcet.acikmese@nasa.gov
Andrew E Johnson — aej@jpl.nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.

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