NASA/RI OA 208 and 209 Verification Static-Stability and Control-Effectiveness Tests of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Vehicle at Mach Numbers from 2 to 8

Abstract : Static force tests were conducted on a 0.02-scale high-fidelity Space Shuttle Orbiter Vehicle model (SSV 102 Orbiter configuration, model 105-0) across the Mach number range from 2 to 8. Test data were obtained to verify orbiter stability and control characteristics in pitch and yaw, and to verify control effectiveness and trim limits over this Mach number range. Data were acquired from Mach 2.0 to 5.5 in increments of 0.5 at a primary free-stream unit Reynolds number of 4.5 million per ft. Data were also taken at Mach 8.0 at a primary free-stream unit Reynolds number of 2.3 million per ft. Data were obtained in the angle-of-attack range of -1 to 51 deg and the angle-of-sideslip range of -10 to +10 deg. Orbiter speedbrake, rudder, elevon, aileron, and body flap deflections were varied manually during the tests. Model flow-field photographs were obtained at various pitch and sideslip angles.