• Aerospace Engineering and Technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.89-97
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• 2011

This paper considers improved IGM (Iterative Guidance Mode), one of the explicit guidance algorithms, to determine the guidance algorithm for upper stages of a space launch vehicle. IGM, which has been employed successfully for the Saturn to put its payload into the parking orbit and lunar transfer orbit, is applied here for guidance of the launcher during the second and third stages. The orbit injection accuracy is evaluated through the 3-DOF computer simulations and an accurate prediction method, which can eliminate the prediction error of the downrange position at the orbit injection, is also proposed here.

• Aerospace Engineering and Technology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.169-177
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• 2012

This paper considers the explicit guidance algorithm to determine the closed-loop guidance law applicable to upper stages of a given space launch vehicle. It has the advantage of very simple forms derived from the flat earth assumption, which is appropriate for its on-board application. However the simple time-to-go prediction equation produces the degraded guidance performance of the launcher because of its inaccuracy. To overcome the problem, the elaborate prediction equations, which have been employed in Saturn and H-II, are attempted here. Finally, the simulation results show that the simple guidance approach requires the more accurate time-to-go prediction and gravity integrals for its broad application.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.40 no.10
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• pp.853-861
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• 2012

This paper considers one of the explicit guidance algorithms, which has been proposed by Jaggers, to determine the closed-loop guidance algorithm for upper stages of a 3-staged space launch vehicle. Its commanded thrust vector is closer to the optimal solution when compared with that obtained by using the well-known Powered Explicit Guidance (PEG), which has been developed through the Space Shuttle program. Its performance is evaluated here by applying for guidance of the launcher during the second and third stages. Furthermore, to generate more precise guidance commands, it is attempted not to use the approximate formulas for the derivation of the original guidance law, and it is shown that performance is improved in comparison with the original.