Results of reaction control system on-orbit jet simulation using an 0.0175-scale configuration 3 space shuttle orbiter model (21-0) in the LaRC 60-foot vacuum sphere

Abstract

An experimental investigation was conducted to obtain detailed effects of the RCS jet flow direct impingement on the orbiter during on-orbit flight of the space shuttle vehicle. RCS flow was simulated by blowing a jet of cold air from nozzles attached to the model sting support system near the fuselage base. Thrust was obtained by setting the nozzle plenum pressure. Three RCS on-orbit flight conditions were simulated. Six component force data were measured on the complete model