Date of Award

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Kerry D. Hicks, PhD

Abstract

Astrodynamic reentry is an increasingly important flight regime as countries around the world develop new spacecraft and weapons. A design of interest is that of hypersonic glide vehicles with the ability to maneuver in the atmosphere. As these vehicles become more common across the world, it has become advantageous to track foreign reentry tests in order to determine capabilities. While current observation techniques may allow position and velocity to be tracked across the trajectory, orientation of the vehicle is not always observable. The ability to find vehicle orientation across time gives insight into the performance characteristics of the vehicle. This research aims to provide an initial look into re-creating appropriate controls across a known trajectory of a known reentry vehicle.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENY-MS-25-M-132

DTIC Accession Number

AD1356369

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this thesis.

Distribution A: Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited.

PA clearance case 88ABW-2025-0433

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