Optimal Powered Descent Guidance with Pyramid-Shaped Approach-Angle Constraints

Abstract: In this paper, a novel optimal soft-landing guidance law with inequality approach-angle path constraints is analytically derived. The proposed guidance law prevents ground collision and enables approach-angle control by constraining the optimal trajectory to remain within a convex inverted pyramid originating at the landing point. A 3D point-mass linear kinematic model in a constant gravitational field is employed, together with a quadratic control-effort cost and terminal constraints on position and velocity. Analytical open-loop and closed-loop solutions, together with the optimal final time, are derived using Pontryagin's Minimum Principle and the optimality conditions at the transitions between unconstrained and constrained arcs. It is additionally shown that the optimal final time decreases when the path constraints become active. The resulting guidance law is continuous, piecewise linear in time, and nonlinear in the states in closed-loop. When a constraint becomes active, the controller cancels the gravitational component normal to the constraint, causing the trajectory to evolve along the constraint surface. The proposed guidance law is evaluated in simulations under various initial conditions, demonstrating accurate landing performance and consistent satisfaction of the path constraints.