TAEM guidance for a re-entry vehicle using feedback linearization

This paper investigates an optimal trajectory and a feedback linearization control for a reentry vehicle during TAEM (terminal area energy management) phase. Firstly, an optimization algorithm with dynamic pressure as a cost function is used to obtain optimal trajectory in TAEM. This optimal trajectory is considered as the reference one to ensure stable flight path of the reentry vehicle. The control inputs are the angle of attack and bank angle that determine the total energy and safety of the reentry vehicle. Secondly, feedback linearization is used to design a tracking law in TAEM phase. This paper presents a validity of optimal solution as a reference trajectory with HAC (heading alignment cylinder) and tracking performance of the reentry vehicle onto the reference trajectory by feedback linearization.