Automated Soft-Landing using kRPC and the G-FOLD soft-landing algorithm

[oyster_catcher]

I'd like to announce a project I've been working on for some time to implement a simplified version of the G-FOLD automated soft-landing algorithm using the KRPC plugin, and the cvxopt convex optimisation library, all pretty dry sounding, OK, so what does it do? Well take a smallish fairly manoeuvrable craft, steer around a bit wildly (near the landing) spot, activate the soft-landing algorithm and it calculates a trajectory (shown visually) and thrust directions with minimum fuel use, and then auto-pilots the craft along the trajectory to land it craft anywhere you specify. Its been a lot of fun tweaking it to work reliably, it can now do some pretty dramatic recoveries.

Heres a video that explains it better.

Automated soft-landing montage video

I've a much more detailed description here plus more videos including the crashes, and the python code is available here.

Edited February 21, 2018 by oyster_catcher
changed video link to the better more descriptive video

[SpacedCowboy]

Excellent ! What a great mod that would make.

And welcome to the forum.

[Hans Dorn]

Neat.

[lushr]

That's really cool! I've implemented a closely related algorithm using Michael Szmuk et al's follow-on work to G-FOLD that is a true free final time approach, avoiding the golden section search for time of flight. Here's a demonstration video.

[FleshJeb]

Fantastic work @oyster_catcher and @lushr.

Makes my ambitions for a Constant Altitude Landing program look like child's play.

[drtedastro]

Really nice work to all.

Great stuff.

Cheers.