ENG3104 Assignment 3: Statistical Analysis of Apollo 11 Landing Data

This assignment analyzes data from Apollo 11 landing simulations, focusing on down range and cross range distances of the lunar module. The student calculates sample statistics, including mean and standard deviation, and generates probability density functions (PDFs) using MATLAB. The assignment then compares these sample PDFs with fitted normal distributions, discussing the applicability of the normal distribution to the data. Furthermore, the solution examines the rate of descent during the landing, calculating it using forward, backward, and central difference methods. The student also fits a polynomial to the altitude data to approximate the altitude as a function of time. The solution includes MATLAB code for all analyses, plots, and comparisons, and discusses the accuracy of the results and the best method to calculate the rate of descent. Finally, it compares the simulated data with actual landing conditions using Monte Carlo simulations.