First flight performance of the control system of the inertial upper stage
Abstract
The results of a flight performance data analyses from the first flight of an Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) with a Titan 34D booster are reported. The IUS has solid rocket motors, a monopropellant hydrazine reaction control system (RCS), and is separated from the spacecraft when the desired higher energy orbit is reached. Steering is guided by a mission sequencing function that indicates the proper reference attitude quaternions, which are compared with the navigation or current attitude quaternion to form a control error quaternion. Telemetry contact with the spacecraft and IUS failed during an initial boost phase; however, the desired orbit was achieved. Performance was as predicted, except for an increased rate of fuel consumption due to failure to include atmospheric drag in the preflight simulations of conditions in the LEO parking orbit. The effects are expected to be less with a Shuttle launch, and will in any case be offset by an overly adequate propellant supply.
- Publication:
-
Guidance and Control 1983
- Pub Date:
- 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983guco.proc..447G
- Keywords:
-
- Flight Characteristics;
- Flight Control;
- Inertial Upper Stage;
- Spacecraft Control;
- Aerodynamic Drag;
- Block Diagrams;
- Directional Control;
- Space Missions;
- Spacecraft Orbits;
- Systems Engineering;
- Thrust Control;
- Titan Launch Vehicles;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles