Trajectory Planning and Soft Landing of RLV Using Non-Linear Model Predictive Control

The idea of the reusability of launch vehicles has revolutionized the space industry drastically by saving the cost. But, the technological complexities make it challenging to implement. This paper studies control and guidance of vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) reusable launch vehicles, with fuel optimal path planning and optimal controller design. Modelled RLV has three degrees of freedom with thrust vector control and upper cold gas thrusters as actuators. The system's multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) nature has added complexity due to the coupling and nonlinearity of governing equations. Non-linear model predictive control is employed for Fuel optimal path planning and feedback controller design. Model predictive control, optimization, symbolic math toolboxes are used along with Matlab and Simulink for modelling, design and analysis purpose.