Operational flight control for saturn boost vehicles

Abstract

Operational Flight Control (OFC) monitors and assesses the operating status of the Saturn launch vehicle and its systems during flight, predicts potential malfunctions which could affect achievement of mission objectives, and takes appropriate corrective actions. It is this characteristic that distinguishes the OFC from the normal operating systems of the vehicle. The status of the vehicle and of the mission are measured and evaluated in real time to determine the required commands and then to initiate these commands. Should performance degradation rule out the achievement of the primary mission, then OFC selects and initiates one of several preprogrammed alternate missions to make best use of the remaining vehicle capability in relation to the payload carried. The measurement of the vehicle systems status is available from onboard instrumentation, whereas data concerning over-all status of the vehicle and of the flight are available from both onboard and ground instrumentation. The onboard functions, by means of a closed-loop system, provide maximum rate of response. The ground functions, with access to both onboard data and ground data and without the usual onboard system restraints of weight and size, provide a more complete and accurate assessment and allow human participation to provide judgment and flexibility to cope with unforseen circumstances.