Assessment of Relative Velocity as Independent Variable for Space Shuttle First Stage Guidance Attitude Command Tables

The selection of relative velocity as the independent variable for the space shuttle first stage guidance attitude command tables was assessed to support the first stage guidance point design. The criterion for selecting the independent variable for first stage open loop guidance is to reduce or minimize performance dispersions, primarily those affecting structural loads. The products of angle of attack and angle of sideslip times dynamic pressure are used as load indicators, and minimizing their dispersions will indicate a minimum loads dispersion. Relative velocity is shown to be an acceptable steering independent variable.