A testbed for Mars precision landing experiments by emulating spacecraft dynamics on a model helicopter

We propose the use of a model helicopter to emulate the landing dynamics of a spacecraft. Our controller accepts thruster inputs (like those on a spacecraft) and converts them into appropriate helicopter stick controls such that the resulting trajectory of the helicopter is close to the trajectory that would have been achieved by simply providing the same thruster inputs to a spacecraft. The approach relies on a simplified model of the spacecraft and helicopter dynamics. Initial results in simulation indicate that the approach is feasible, with tracking accuracies on the order of 5 m.