Lunar missions benefit from varying the launch azimuth as a function of launch time to allow longer launch windows with minimum performance impacts. This variable azimuth approach allows the vehicle to track the Moon’s apparent motion due to Earth’s rotation . The Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1 vehicle design requires the mission to launch into an elliptical parking orbit to provide sufficient energy to insert Orion into a trans-lunar trajectory. The primary benefit of varying the launch azimuth, and as a result the parking orbit inclination, allows the SLS Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) to perform its Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) burn closer to perigee and take advantage of performing a burn in a location where the burn will primarily raise apogee.


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    Title :

    Space Launch System Launch Window and Day of Launch Processes


    Contributors:
    A. S. Craig (author) / N. Ahmad (author)

    Conference:

    2020 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference ; 2020 ; Virtual, US


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English