Aerodynamic forces and torques simulation for the verification of International Space Station guidance, navigation and control system dynamic modes and for optimal control synthesis

The paper reviews two methods of simulating forces and torques produced by the flow of atmospheric air incident on the surface of the International Space Station (ISS) during execution of dynamic modes of the Guidance, Navigation and Control System of the Service Module, which were developed by RSC Energia. These methods suitable both for searching for the optimal ISS motion control, and for the verification of dynamic modes of the Service Module Guidance, Navigation and Control System, are based on the computation of aerodynamic properties within set of points in a 4D-space and subsequent 4D interpolation of aerodynamic properties during simulation. The paper compares the results of computations of exposure to incident air flow during simulations of the ISS optimal-propellant wide-angle turning maneuver. During a turning maneuver the ISS geometry changes significantly due to large-scale elements of the ISS rotating about axes pointing in various directions. There are plans to use the proposed methods during preparations for space experiment MKS-Razvorot. They can also be useful in developing control algorithms for the Guidance, Navigation and Control Systems of future large-scale space vehicles.