Atmospheric Guidance for Aero-Gravity Assist Using Matched Asymptotic Expansions

An atmospheric guidance algorithm to support Aero-Gravity Assist (AGA) maneuvers is developed. The AGA maneuver is divided into two phases: (i) a capture phase and (ii) an exit phase. In the capture phase the vehicle transitions to ∞ight at maximum lift-todrag ratio while protecting the spacecraft from excessive heating. The exit phase initiation and guidance are based on an approximate analytical solution to the equations of motion, obtained via the method of Matched Asymptotic Expansions (MAE). Thus, the guidance algorithm uses algebraic equations instead of difierential equations for predicting the exit state and determining the required lift. Simulation results indicate the viability of the guidance approach.

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