QuickShot Trajectory Optimization Software Validation Against Flight Data

SpaceWorks has developed the QuickShot software suite as a new, modern analysis capability for the aerospace industry in the area of trajectory simulation and optimization. QuickShot is a robust, fast-acting, and flexible 3-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) trajectory optimization tool designed to easily permit setup and solution of complex trajectory problems. This paper documents the verification and validation of QuickShot for two trajectory problems: (1) the launch trajectory of the Apollo Saturn V launch vehicle, and (2) the entry, descent, & landing of the Apollo Command Module (CM). The Apollo mission was selected for simulation because it is a well-documented and well-understood flight vehicle. Its launch trajectory involves a combination of different liquid rocket engines and vehicle stages with multiple mid-flight staging events, providing an ideal mission simulation that can be extrapolated to other launch vehicles. The entry trajectory involves aerodynamic flight over a range of flight regimes from hypersonic to subsonic, providing a mission simulation extensible to many atmospheric flight vehicles. The authors were able to leverage the wealth of publicly available data on the Apollo missions to inform the QuickShot trajectory simulations.