Optimal three-dimensional aerodynamic maneuvers for a shuttle vehicle
Abstract
Optimal lift and bank control laws for the transfer of a shuttle vehicle flying in the hypervelocity regime from a given entry condition to a horizontal terminal flight position are investigated. The goal is to maximize each one of the following three payoffs: final heading angle, final velocity, and final altitude, while holding the other two fixed. The following approximations are made: neglect of the gravicentrifugal forces with respect to the aerodynamic forces, small flight-path angles, and a parabolic drag polar. It is shown that the three maneuvers are isoperimetrically interconnected and have the same general solution. Two-point boundary value problems associated with each case are solved in closed form, the domains of existence of the optimal solutions are determined, and the payoffs' sensitivity with respect to changes in the final constraints and vehicle characteristics is analyzed. Numerical examples are presented. Optimal ascent maneuvers and optimal atmospheric skips for changing the satellites' orbit plane are investigated by extending the previous results.
- Publication:
-
Israel Journal of Technology
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978IsJT...16...45B
- Keywords:
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- Hypersonic Reentry;
- Mathematical Models;
- Optimization;
- Space Shuttles;
- Spacecraft Maneuvers;
- Boundary Value Problems;
- Hypersonic Vehicles;
- Mission Planning;
- Optimal Control;
- Terminal Velocity;
- Astrodynamics