Hypervelocity gliding maneuvers

Abstract

Atmospheric maneuvering during orbital return is a major advantage of high-lift space vehicle configurations, affording the Space Shuttle Orbiter a variety of possible landing sites. A brief analysis is presented for turning maneuvers during gliding flight, including the lateral distances traversed, at velocities up to circular satellite speed. Lateral distances of 3000 and 6000 km can be traversed during 90- and 180-deg turns for L/D of 2 and 3, respectively.