Solving the optimal control problem using a nonlinear programming technique. III - Optimal Shuttle reentry trajectories

The optimal control for a reentry trajectory of a representative Space Shuttle vehicle has been determined using a generalized nonlinear programming technique which combines the Direct and Indirect methods to form a Hybrid Nonlinear Programming (HNLP) method. Exact solutions to the maximum downrange and crossrange reentry problems using representative Shuttle aerodynamics are presented. The effect of decreases in the maximum allowable heating rate has been assessed for the maximum crossrange reentry and is shown to have a relatively small impact on the maximum crossrange.