Space Shuttle as a dynamic test tool for high accuracy missile guidance systems

Use of the Space Shuttle as a vehicle for conducting dynamic flight tests of precision inertial guidance systems is examined. Shuttle testing meets many of the requirements for a dynamic test concept for advanced missile guidance systems by providing a significant increase in test time in an environment which equals or exceeds the missile's in terms of integrated thrust acceleration, a prime determiner of guidance system error. An error analysis demonstrates the applicability of the concept for testing the Advanced Inertial Reference Sphere (AIRS) IMU. Test utility of the Shuttle concept in terms of IMU performance estimation capability is contrasted to rocket sled testing, another candidate dynamic test concept. Shuttle support requirements are considered. The test concept takes advantage of the Shuttle's capability to carry multiple units and to obtain navigation satellite data as metric tracking for test evaluation. Packaging and launch timeline issues are addressed.