Engineering topics

Hopper, F. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Hopper, F. W..

3 records

NASA NTRS1979

Lander flight path analysis

The primary functions of the Lander Flight Path Analysis Team (LFPAT) were to (1) design the Viking Lander (VL) descent trajectory and compute the descent guidance parameters for command transmission to the Viking Lander and Viking Orbiter (VO), (2) reconstruct the VL trajectory from separation to touchdown using data transmitted from the VL to Earth via the VO during descent, and (3) predict the VL/VO relay link system performance during descent and post touchdown. The preflight VL capability, the history of proposed descent trajectory designs as the site selection process evolved, and the final trajectory design and guidance parameters for each vehicle are addressed along with the trajectory reconstruction process, including the overall reconstructed VL flight path summary and a detailed discussion of the entry trajectory and atmosphere reconstruction results. The postland relay link prediction function is discussed.

Euler, E. A.↗

NASA NTRS1977

The design and reconstruction of the Viking Lander descent trajectories

The success of the Viking Mission is truly a major milestone in this country's planetary exploration program. This paper deals with the trajectory characteristics of the Viking Lander descent trajectories, beginning with the imposed requirements and constraints, the final preflight design based on the final hardware and operational capability, and ending with the actual performance achieved. A comparison between the predicted and actual trajectory characteristics is made to indicate the achieved accuracy and modeling fidelity. Also, estimates of the Martian environment derived from the entry-trajectory reconstruction process are presented.

Euler, E. A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Trajectory, atmosphere, and wind reconstruction from Viking entry measurements

During Mars entry, each Viking Lander will collect and send to earth large quantities of measurement data, both scientific and engineering in nature. Software has been developed to statistically process this and other data in order to reconstruct, for mission support purposes, the entry trajectory, an 'engineering' atmosphere, and a wind profile. Procedures are described for processing limited amounts of the available data in such a manner that the maximum amount of information can be extracted therefrom, consistent with program design, response requirements, and mission operations constraints. Results of observability studies and simulations indicate that accuracy requirements will be met.

Hopper, F. W.↗