The CLVTOPS Toolchain for NASA Space Launch System Liftoff Analysis and Post Flight Validation

This paper showcases the unique technical capabilities of the CLVTOPS multi-body flight dynamics toolchain developed by Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for analyzing NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) liftoff events. The CLVTOPS toolchain integrates high-fidelity simulations, geometric algorithms, advanced data analytics, and post-flight telemetry to demonstrate positive clearance between separating bodies and inform design decisions that enhance mission reliability. Proper liftoff separation is crucial to the success of the launch vehicle’s mission; vehicle impacts with the launch tower and supporting components incur a heightened risk of mission failure. For liftoff analysis, the CLVTOPS toolchain enables the integration of vehicle, launch pad, and environmental input models for the investigation of key clearance effectors. Furthermore, recent enhancements to the CLVTOPS toolchain allow for validation via photogrammetric trajectory reconstruction and plume pressure impingement estimation on the tower. The following sections will walk through the tool-chain, SLS liftoff ground rules and assumptions, key models, standard analysis, recent enhancements, and post-flight validation of the Artemis I mission liftoff event.