Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter Flight Dynamics Simulation and Rehearsal Results for Its Operational Readiness Checkout

Abstract

Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), also known as Danuri, was successfully launched on 4 Aug. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Space-X Falcon-9 rocket. Flight dynamics (FD) operational readiness was one of the critical parts to be checked before the flight. To demonstrate FD software’s readiness and enhance the operator’s contingency response capabilities, KPLO FD specialists planned, organized, and conducted four simulations and two rehearsals before the KPLO launch. For the efficiency and integrity of FD simulation and rehearsal, different sets of blind test data were prepared, including the simulated tracking measurements that incorporated dynamical model errors, maneuver execution errors, and other errors associated with a tracking system. This paper presents the simulation and rehearsal results with lessons learned for the KPLO FD operational readiness checkout. As a result, every functionality of FD operation systems is firmly secured based on the operation procedure with an enhancement of contingency operational response capability. After conducting several simulations and rehearsals, KPLO FD specialists were much more confident in the flight teams’ ability to overcome the challenges in a realistic flight and FD software’s reliability in flying the KPLO. Moreover, the results of this work will provide numerous insights to the FD experts willing to prepare deep space flight operations.

KARI and NASA JSC Collaborative Endeavors for Joint Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter Flight Dynamics Operations: Architecture, Challenges, Successes, and Lessons Learned

“…Additionally, the MCC Trajectory Subsystem (MTS), JSC's flight dynamics software, served as the primary tool in the MCC. For a more detailed understanding of the specific functionalities, operational concepts, and interoperability of the FDS and TDS, readers may refer to Song et al [27]. The collaboration between the KMOC and MCC began with the gathering of KPLO tracking data.…”

Lessons Learned from Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter Flight Dynamics Operations: NASA Deep Space Network Interfaces and Support Levels

“…The KARI navigation team conducted numerous simulations and rehearsals until just before the launch of KPLO to ensure successful operation. During simulations and rehearsals, DSN tracking measurements were simulated and set to have characteristics, such as biases and white noise, as similar as possible to the actual DSN data (Song et al 2022). However, when KPLO was launched, and DSN tracking measurements were received for OD, surprisingly, the precision of DSN tracking measurements exceeded the way over to the KARI navigation team's first expectations.…”

Large Area High-Resolution 3D Mapping of the Von Kármán Crater: Landing Site for the Chang’E-4 Lander and Yutu-2 Rover

“…Over the last two decades, large-area 3D mapping of the lunar surface has been pursued intensively through laser altimetry and stereo imaging via a variety of lunar orbital missions from space agencies around the world. These include the Japanese Selenological and Engineering Explorer (SELENE; Kaguya) mission (launched in 2007) [1], the Chinese Chang'E-1 (CE-1; launched in 2007) and Chang'E-2 (CE-2; launched in 2010) missions [2][3][4], the Indian Chandrayaan-1 (launched in 2008) [5] and Chandrayaan-2 (launched in 2019) [6] missions, the U.S. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission (launched in 2009) [7], and the Korean KPLO (Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter) Danuri mission (launched in 2022) [8].…”