An explicit reentry guidance law using Bezier curves

Abstract

An explicit guidance law is developed for a reentry vehicle. Motion is constrained to a three-dimensional Bezier curve. Acceleration commands are derived by solving an inverse problem related to Bezier parameters. A comparison with pure proportional navigation shows the same accuracy, but a higher capability for optimal trajectory to some degree. Other advantages such as trajectory representation with minimum parameters, applicability to any reentry vehicle configuration and any control scheme, and Time-to-Go independency make this guidance approach more favorable. © 2008 The Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences.