During stage separation of a two-stage hypersonic vehicle, aerodynamic interference between the upper (orbital) and the lower (carrier) stage influences the dynamic behaviour in both longitudinal and lateral motion. Those interference effects change with the distance of the vehicles as well as with the relative attitude. While the carrier stage is influenced mainly in its longitudinal motion, for the orbital stage both longitudinal and lateral motion are affected. Since this change in vehicle dynamics is relevant for mission safety with respect to potential collisions, an investigation of the occurring interference effects is performed in order to identify their impact on the dynamic behaviour of the flight system. Based on the results of the study, a robust control system is developed, permitting a safe stage separation manoeuvre.
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During stage separation of a two-stage hypersonic vehicle, aerodynamic interference between the upper (orbital) and the lower (carrier) stage influences the dynamic behaviour in both longitudinal and lateral motion. Those interference effects change with the distance of the vehicles as well as with the relative attitude. While the carrier stage is influenced mainly in its longitudinal motion, for the orbital stage both longitudinal and lateral motion are affected. Since this change in vehicle dy...
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