Evaluation of the Shuttle GN&C during powered ascent flight phaseAn overview of the ascent trajectory and GN&C (guidance, navigation, and control) system design is followed by a summary of flight test results for the ascent phase of STS-1. The most notable variance from nominal pre-flight predictions was the lofted trajectory observed in first stage due to an unanticipated shift in pitch aerodynamic characteristics from those predicted by wind tunnel tests. The GN&C systems performed as expected on STS-1 throughout powered flight. Following a discussion of the software constants changed for Flight 2 to provide adequate performance margin, a summary of test results from STS-2 and STS-3 is presented. Vehicle trajectory response and GN&C system behavior were very similar to STS-1. Ascent aerodynamic characteristics extracted from the first two test flights were included in the data base used to design the first stage steering and pitch trim profiles for STS-3.
Document ID
19820055425
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Olson, L. (McDonnell Douglas Technical Services Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Sunkel, J. W. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)