Mars Entry Trajectory Optimization with Desensitized Optimal Control

This chapter describes the Mars entry trajectory optimization in presence of uncertainties and control saturation by use of desensitized optimal control (DOC) methodology and Direct Collocation and Nonlinear Programming (DCNLP). The final height and the state sensitivities are simultaneously included into the weighted performance index. Monte Carlo simulations show that the optimization algorithm developed in this paper can effectively reduce the sensitivity of the final state at the end of entry phase with respect to the uncertainties on the initial state variables and the disturbances on the Mars atmospheric density and aerodynamic parameters.