journal article·2025-09-25Open access

Model Predictive Control for Gliding Descent on Mars

Jhonathan Murcia-Piñeros, Antônio F. B. A. Prado, Ignazio Dimino

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 19

Abstract

This paper proposes a closed-loop nonlinear model predictive control for the first time for the trajectory tracking of a spaceplane descending and gliding on Mars. Previous studies presented the optimization of descending trajectory solving optimal control problems to reach a specific region (longitude, latitude, and altitude) by the end of the atmospheric flight. Following those approaches, in this work, an optimal trajectory was selected for a semi-optimal controller, specifically the nonlinear model predictive control. This controller and its robustness were validated through Monte Carlo simulations, demonstrating that it is robust enough to direct the spaceplane along the reference path, even when the atmospheric density changes by 15% of the standard deviation.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Spacecraft Dynamics and Control · Advanced Control Systems Optimization · Aerospace Engineering and Control Systems

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Pure and Applied Mathematics, Institute of Science and Technology (ICT/UNIFESP), São José dos Campos 12247-004, Brazil

Division of Graduate Studies (DIPGR), National Institute for Space Research (INPE), São José dos Campos 12227-010, Brazil

The Italian Aerospace Research Centre (CIRA), 81043 Capua, Italy

Funding

São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) · National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) · National Council for the Improvement of Higher Education (CAPES) · Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)

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