Space Shuttle First Stage Ascent Design
892268
09/01/1989
- Event
- Content
- The first stage ascent trajectory of the space shuttle uses an open-loop guidance scheme. A reference trajectory profile is designed preflight and loaded into the onboard general purpose computers. The reference trajectory is a trade-off among aerodynamic loads, heating constraints, and payload requirements.In the space shuttle flights after Space Transportation System (STS) 51-L, the ascent design has been mission specific. As the program continues to mature, a standardization of ascent design will be pursued to reduce resource requirements for each flight. A day-of-launch (DOL) ascent trajectory, designed only hours before launch and based on real-time wind and atmosphere conditions, is currently being studied and will be tested in early 1990.
- Pages
- 16
- Citation
- Bowers, D., "Space Shuttle First Stage Ascent Design," SAE Technical Paper 892268, 1989, https://doi.org/10.4271/892268.