Technology and methodology of separating two similar size aerospace vehicles within the atmosphere

During the past 10 years, the parallel separation, within the atmosphere, of two similar size aerospace vehicles has been investigated in technical areas such as static and dynamic stability, rocket exhaust plume interference, aerodynamic control, loads, and dynamic simulation. Advanced experimental and analysis techniques have been developed to analyze this problem. Results are presented which summarize some of this work. The effects of various parameters on the separation maneuver are illustrated using results from early and current space shuttle configurations. The technology and methodology that have been developed have helped verify the feasibility of separating similar size aerospace vehicles.