Multi-Disciplinary Modeling Environment for Reusable Launch Vehicle Dynamics and Control System Design

Abstract

For new reusable launch vehicles concepts, it becomes increasingly necessary to already assess relevant system dynamics and control system design aspects in early design phases. This is especially important when complex and difficult maneuvers like in-air-capturing for the return of launch vehicle stages are considered. This paper will focus on the key elements of the newly developed reusable launch vehicle multibody dynamics and control system design framework by demonstrating its capabilities for the simulation and analysis of flight dynamics aspects of the in-air-capturing maneuver as studied in the DLR project AKIRA.