Reentry guidance for reusable launching vehicle

A new reentry guidance algorithm for RLV (reusable launching vehicle) is presented. The algorithm consists of two integrated components: trajectory planning algorithm and tracking algorithm. The most striking feature of algorithm here lies in the approach that both planning and tracking are executed directly in height-velocity space, which is different from the methodology of configuration of drag in traditional shuttle guidance. In the session of trajectory planning, all trajectory constraints can be expressed with upper bound and lower bound in height-velocity space, then a linear interpolation is adopted to search the nominal trajectory satisfying the requirement of downrange and target constraints. The tracking algorithm uses feedback linearization method to track this nominal profile and meet all constraints. Another typical feature of this algorithm is the strategy of downrange extension using FPA (flight path angle) controller to fulfill the requirement of large downrange. Proper combination of planning-tracking algorithm and FPA controller can bring great flexibility and adaptability to reentry guidance. The algorithm is proved to be robust enough to accommodate the model error and noises in the dynamics.