The methods and data used to reconstruct the Shuttle entry trajectory aerodynamics from 180 km to landing are reviewed. Onboard accelerometer and gyro measurements are used with a weighted least squares filter along with ground tracking data to provide the evolving spacecraft state. The software development is described, noting that computations include linear acceleration and angular rate data, aerodynamic coefficient, and inertial measurement units, sampled at 170 Hz. Ground tracking data was gathered on S- and C-bands; Guam data is considered critical as it was taken during the blackout at the beginning of entry. The generation of a best estimate trajectory, combining flight and ground data, yields inplane parameters of altitude, flight path angle, and velocity for comparison with navigational instrumentation. Predicted lift/drag ratios were found to be accurate from Mach 1-25, and up to 23% low below Mach 1.


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    Title :

    Shuttle /STS-1/ entry trajectory reconstruction


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Flight Testing Conference ; 1981 ; Las Vegas, NV


    Publication date :

    1981-11-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :


    Shuttle /STS-1/ entry trajectory reconstruction

    COMPTON, H. / FINDLAY, J. / KELLY, G. et al. | AIAA | 1981



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    Compton, H. R. / Blanchard, R. C. / Findlay, J. T. | NTRS | 1979


    Entry trajectory shaping for Shuttle-deployed experiments

    Letts, W. R., Jr. / Castle, M. J. | NTRS | 1981


    Entry trajectory shaping for Shuttle-deployed experiments

    LETTS, JR., W. / CASTLE, M. | AIAA | 1981