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.