Selected stability and control derivatives from the first Space Shuttle entryPrimary stability and control derivative estimates garnered from the first Shuttle entry are reported. The craft was the first vehicle to maneuver over a wide range of hypersonic velocities, yielding data on flight characteristics from previously unexplored regimes. The flight envelope was confined to entry and safe landing, with no additional maneuvers to gain control data. Data for a Mach number range of 25-1.5 and altitudes of 515,000-50,000 ft are provided, and functional ranges of the Shuttle control surfaces and attitude jets are outlined. On-board systems gathered data on aerodynamic coefficient identification, flight condition and Euler angles, and jet chamber pressures. A maximum likelihood estimation program, which contained unknown stability and control derivatives, was used for control; a control input determined the value of the unknown derivatives, and the input and spacecraft response were measured. Longitudinal and lateral directional maneuvers and their derivative estimates are described, noting wind contamination of the sideslip measurements below Mach 3. Further maneuvering and stability tests are projected for subsequent flights.
Document ID
19820030345
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Iliff, K. W. (NASA Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Maine, R. E. (NASA Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Cooke, D. R. (NASAJohnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)