Pointing Algorithm for Reentry Orbit Injection with Uncontrolled Last Stage

Abstract: An essencial requirement for a launcher with uncontrolled last stage is to compute the ignition time of that stage and its attitude, in order to obtain a proper orbit transfer from a nonpropelled trajectory to a desired orbit, since such stage it cannot change its velocity profile and its direction. This article presents an algorithm that allows achieving the proper conditions to inject a vehicle with uncontrolled last stage into a descent Keplerian trajectory, in order to permit its reentry through the Earth's atmosphere with strictly defined conditions of radius, velocity, andfligh...