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.
Space Shuttle First Stage Ascent Design
Sae Technical Papers
Aerospace Technology Conference and Exposition ; 1989
1989-09-01
Conference paper
English
Space shuttle first stage ascent design
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