Forces-rtto: a tool for on-board real-time autonomous trajectory planning

The capability for generating re-optimized guidance trajectories on-board in real-time based on current flight conditions promises to improve the system performance, add fault tolerance capabilities, and reduce the mission preparation costs. This project is building a tool to analyze the impact of recent advances in optimization algorithms, embedded software packages, and novel mathematical formulations on the viability of an optimal real-time guidance concept. The developed software tool provides state-of-the-art implementations of custom solvers for two space GNC applications: large angle reorientation maneuvers for an orbiting spacecraft under multiple attitude-constrained zones; and a powered descent and pinpoint landing scenario. Various guidance methods, ranging from a nonlinear programming formulation to a convexified problem description, can be evaluated. A closed-loop validation engine with Airbus simulators will allow to explore the reliability-speed-performance trade-off for the different guidance methods. Initial tests on flight-representative hardware show that the optimal trajectory generation code is fast enough for real-time implementation.