Optimal ascent trajectories of a two stage space shuttle vehicle

The effects of aerodynamic lift on the performance capability of a two stage space shuttle are discussed. The performance program uses three degrees of freedom to describe the trajectory of a point mass moving over the rotating earth. Two cases of ascent modes are described and compared. It is concluded that significant improvements in performance through the use of lift appear to be configuration dependent, and for this reason cannot be generalized for all spacecraft configurations.