Autonomous precision landing using terrain-following navigation

Terrain-following navigation studies that have been done over the past two years in the navigation system section at JPL are described. A descent to Mars scenario based on Mars Rover and Sample Return mission profiles is described, and navigation and image processing issues pertaining to descent phases where landmark picture can be obtained are examined. A covariance analysis is performed to verify that landmark measurements from a terrain-following navigation system can satisfy precision landing requirements. Image processing problems involving known landmarks in actual pictures are considered. Mission design alternatives that can alleviate some of these problems are suggested.