Analysis of Proportional Navigation Guidance Algorithms in the Context of a Near-Earth Object Intercept Mission

Sammanfattning: An impact of a Near-Earth Object with the Earth is rare but possible, and can have negative consequences ranging from localized annoyance and injury to global devastation and the end of the world as we know it. Considering the magnitude of the consequences and the lack of an ability to respond to such a threat, it is important that these Planetary Defense capabilities are developed. The research conducted for this project analyzes the spacecraft design trade-space in the context of a conceptual kinetic impact mission with Asteroid 101955 Bennu. To accomplish the research objectives, an orbit propagator was developed, proportional nav- igation guidance algorithms were implemented and simulations were run with difference combinations of design parameters. It was found that both studied guidance algorithms performed very similarly in most regards, yet the augmented three-plane proportional guidance algorithm appeared to achieve impact more efficiently. There is uncertainty as to whether this is a characteristic of the algorithm or a consequence of the initial conditions. Additionally, it was seen that the more significant performance enhancements for the kinetic impact mission were more significantly influenced by the design of a spacecraft as opposed to the selection of a guidance algorithm over another.