Application and Performance Analysis of a Successive Convexification Algorithm to Mars 2020 Entry Trajectory Design

The Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) nominal trajectory significantly impacts mission performance and robustness. In recent years, Successive Convexification (SCvx) has emerged as a promising approach for real-time trajectory optimization, using onboard computational resources while accommodating complex operational constraints. Integration of the SCvx algorithm with Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II (POST2) provides a computationally efficient framework for EDL reference trajectory optimization. Furthermore, coupling SCvx with high-fidelity flight mechanics tools like POST2 facilitates comprehensive analysis of EDL system-level performance and robustness. This work presents the integration of the SCvx algorithm with POST2. To ensure consistency and validate the integration approach, similar environment models are employed for both trajectory optimization using SCvx and POST2 simulation. The integration is demonstrated through the generation of a three degree-of-freedom Mars hypersonic entry nominal trajectory using SCvx, which subsequently guides a hypersonic entry vehicle within the POST2 simulation environment.