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NASA NTRS · 20210015330

Mars Exploration Rovers EDL Trajectory and Atmosphere Reconstruction using NewSTEP

Rohan G Deshmukh·Christopher D Karlgaard
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Abstract

This document describes the trajectory and atmosphere reconstruction of the Mars Exploration Rovers (Spirit and Opportunity) Entry, Descent, and Landing using the New Statistical Trajectory Estimation Program. The approach utilizes a Kalman filter to blend inertial measurement unit data with initial conditions and radar altimetry to obtain the inertial trajectory of the entry vehicle. The nominal aerodynamic database is then used in combination with the sensed accelerations to obtain estimates of the atmosphere-relative state. The reconstructed atmosphere profile is then blended with pre-flight models to construct an estimate of the as-flown atmosphere.

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Rohan G Deshmukh, Christopher D Karlgaard. 2021-05-01. Mars Exploration Rovers EDL Trajectory and Atmosphere Reconstruction using NewSTEP. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210015330

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