The Dynamics Simulator for Entry, Descent, and Surface landing (DSENDS) software performs high-fidelity simulation of the Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) of a spacecraft into the atmosphere and onto the surface of a planet or a smaller body. DSENDS is an extension of the DShell and DARTS programs (described in prior NASA Tech Briefs articles), which afford capabilities for mathematical modeling of the dynamics of a spacecraft as a whole and of its instruments, actuators, and other subsystems. DSENDS enables the modeling (including real-time simulation) of flight-train elements and all spacecraft responses during various phases of EDL. DSENDS provides high-fidelity models of the aerodynamics of entry bodies and parachutes plus supporting models of atmospheres. Terrain and real-time responses of terrain-imaging radar and lidar instruments can also be modeled. The program includes modules for simulation of guidance, navigation, hypersonic steering, and powered descent. Automated state-machine-driven model switching is used to represent spacecraft separations and reconfigurations. Models for computing landing contact and impact forces are expected to be added. DSENDS can be used as a stand-alone program or incorporated into a larger program that simulates operations in real time.
This program was written by J. Balaram, Abhinandan Jain, Bryan Martin, Christopher Lim, David Henriquez, Elihu McMahon, Garett Sohl, Pranab Banerjee, Robert Steele, and Timothy Bentley of Caltech, and Scott Striepe and Brett Starr of Langley Research Center for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-2827. Refer to NPO-30486.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Simulating Descent and Landing of a Spacecraft
(reference NPO-30486) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA, specifically focused on simulating the descent and landing of spacecraft, referenced as NPO-30486 in NASA Tech Briefs. It serves to disseminate information about advancements in aerospace technology that have potential applications beyond their original context. The document emphasizes the importance of simulation in understanding the dynamics of spacecraft during critical phases of entry, descent, and landing (EDL).
One of the key components discussed is the DSENDS (Descent and Landing Simulation) system, which implements several EDL-specific extensions that enhance the basic capabilities of Darts/Dshell models. These extensions allow for more detailed and accurate simulations of spacecraft behavior during descent and landing, which is crucial for mission planning and execution.
The document includes various figures that illustrate the simulation processes and outcomes. For instance, Figure 14 depicts an advanced technology demonstration simulation of a spacecraft using an inflatable ballute aero-decelerator during entry. This highlights innovative techniques being explored to improve landing safety and efficiency.
Additionally, the document discusses the computational aspects of the simulation system, noting that typical state-transition actions are not resource-intensive. This allows for the use of an interpreted language for state-machine implementation without significant performance penalties, making the simulation more efficient.
Figures within the document also provide visual representations of spacecraft dynamics during descent. For example, Figure 8 shows a spacecraft at entry, with plots of altitude and g-forces experienced, while Figure 9 illustrates the dynamics associated with parachute deployment, including the induced g-forces and pendulum effects from off-axis deployment.
The document concludes by emphasizing the broader implications of the research and technology discussed, encouraging further exploration and utilization of the findings in various aerospace applications. It also provides contact information for the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office, offering additional resources for those interested in aerospace research.
Overall, this Technical Support Package serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of spacecraft descent and landing simulations, showcasing NASA's commitment to advancing aerospace technology for both scientific and commercial purposes.
