Modelling and Testing a Real-Time Human-in-the-Loop Controlled Lunar Landing Simulator

Kurzfassung

The International Space Exploration Coordination Group, comprised of 28 space agencies, is advancing the Global Exploration Roadmap to include the establishment of the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, a space station orbiting the Moon. This platform will facilitate astronaut landings on the Moon's south pole. This paper emphasizes the critical role of lunar landers in crewed Moon missions, with specifications tailored to mission requirements such as size, propulsion, payload, landing gear, energy systems, and controllers. It details the development of a Human-In-The-Loop controlled lunar lander simulator at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), featuring a dynamic model with Reaction Control System thrusters and main thrusters for landing. A ground contact detection method with force calculation is used for simulating landing forces. Despite the presence of autopilot Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems, manual control by astronauts, as demonstrated in Apollo missions, remains essential. This paper focuses on the astronaut's manual control of the lunar lander. The lunar lander is integrated within DLR's Robotic Motion Simulator framework, including a low gravity-adapted washout filter and Human Machine Interface devices for manual steering. Simulation scenarios, including those based on Apollo 11 mission data, are recreated and tested. The framework's evaluation of controller performance, pilot sensor data and lander path supports advancements in spacecraft design, GNC validation, and astronaut flight control training.