Terrain-Relative Navigation

E88916

Terrain-Relative Navigation is a guidance technology that enables spacecraft to autonomously analyze surface features in real time and adjust their descent path for a precise and safe landing.


Statements (45)
Predicate Object
instanceOf autonomous navigation system
guidance technology
spacecraft landing technology
addresses terrain hazards such as rocks and slopes
uncertainty in spacecraft position relative to surface
appliesTo Mars landers
crewed landing systems
lunar landers
planetary landers
uncrewed robotic landers
comparedTo traditional inertial-only navigation
enables autonomous hazard avoidance without ground control
landing in previously inaccessible regions
reduction of landing ellipse size
goal enable targeted landings near scientifically interesting sites
maximize landing precision
maximize landing safety
hasKeyFeature autonomous guidance updates
closed-loop navigation during descent
feature matching with onboard maps
hazard avoidance capability
high-precision landing accuracy
onboard image processing
real-time analysis of surface features
improves landing accuracy compared to inertial-only navigation
landing safety in rough terrain
isPartOf autonomous guidance, navigation, and control architectures
entry, descent, and landing systems
operatesDuring powered descent phase
terminal descent phase
reliesOn feature detection algorithms
image correlation techniques
inertial measurement data
onboard cameras
onboard computing
terrain maps
requires prior terrain knowledge or maps
robust feature tracking under varying lighting conditions
sufficient onboard processing power
usedFor autonomous landing of spacecraft
hazard detection during landing
precision landing on planetary surfaces
real-time descent path adjustment
safe landing in hazardous terrain
terrain-relative position estimation

Referenced by (1)
Subject (surface form when different) Predicate
Perseverance rover
usesTechnology

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