Ascent Aerodynamic Force and Moment Database Development for the Space Launch System

The Space Launch System Aerodynamics Task Team is responsible for delivering aerodynamic force and moment databases from liftoff through ascent until the rocket leaves the Earth’s atmosphere. The process for developing the ascent portion of this database is described in the current paper. The data used to develop the database were generated using a combination of wind tunnel testing and CFD simulations. The details of the wind tunnel testing performed at the NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel and CFD simulations performed using FUN3D at wind tunnel and flight conditions are discussed, and comparisons of these data sets are provided. The methods used for converting the source data into the final database response surfaces with corresponding uncertainty are also detailed.