Optimization of space vehicle trans-atmospheric motion by using the method of sequential linearization

Abstract

The paper deals with the task of optimizing a space vehicles trans-atmospheric motion in order to maximize its terminal velocity at prescribed finite values of the height and trajectory inclination angle. The angle of attack acts as control in a vehicles passive motion. To determine the optimal program of the control of angle of attack, the method of sequential linearization is used. Solving the problem of optimizing the vehicles trans-atmospheric motion is illustrated by passive climb of a sub-hypersonic vehicle MPV (the first stage of the aerospace system RASCAL designed in the USA). The results of simulating the vehicle motion with optimal control and various initial conditions of the vehicles motion and mass are discussed.

Keywords

• vehicle
• trans-atmospheric motion
• optimal control
• lift coefficient
• angle of attack
• sequential linearization method