Project:	Multivariable Optimization of Landing Site Selection, Number of Safe Landing Sites, and Rover Drive Time (JPL AO No. 16188)
Disciplines:	Aerospace Engineering, Optimization
Mentor:	Eugene Bonfiglio, (JPL), Eugene.Bonfiglio@jpl.nasa.gov, Phone: (818) 354-9283
Background:	The EDL Systems team is focused on coordinating the design of the Entry, Descent, and Landing system for the Sample Return Lander project as well as assessing design margin and risk and identifying robustness opportunities. Student will assist the EDL team in assessing statistics of landing on rocks of varying sizes and the sensitivity of the divert size needed to avoid dangerous rocks.
Description:	The EDL systems team for the Sample Return Lander project is currently planning to use a landing strategy where multiple safe landing sites are distributed across the landing ellipse, minimizing the size of the divert required to touchdown at a safe site. The Perseverance Rover, which is currently on Mars, must travel to wherever the Sample Return Lander ultimately touches down to help complete the mission. To date, the project has identified more than 100 safe sites in Jezero Crater and has multiple competing cost functions to consider, including the size of the divert, number of sites, and longest drive distance that will be required by Perseverance Rover. During the summer of 2025, the EDL team is seeking support to investigate and understand this problem. Applicants should be experienced coders (Python or MATLAB preferred) and familiar with multi-variable optimization.
Student Requirements:	Comfortable programming in MATLAB or Python, including function generation. Knowledgeable in working on optimization problems with multiple competing cost functions.
Location / Safety:	Project building and/or room locations: . Student will need special safety training: .
Programs:	This AO can be done under the following programs:   Program    Available To        SURF@JPL    Caltech students only  Click on a program name for program info and application requirements.