Performance Analysis of Liquid Rocket Attitude and Trajectory Estimation

Abstract

This paper presents a design analysis of rocket RCX1H-1 developed by LAPAN. The analysis will be conducted to analyze its behavior, including trajectory estimation and flight attitude prediction. RCX1H-1 uses a liquid rocket engine for the propulsion system to generate thrust to accomplish trajectory mission. The engine uses kerosene and nitric acid as its fuel and oxidizer, delivered by pressurized helium gas. Estimation of rocket trajectory will be governed by an ordinary differential equation from Newton-Euler law in the form of 6 degrees of freedom on Matlab/Simulink software. Missile DATCOM is used to predict the rocket's attitude in longitudinal mode and lateral-directional mode by defining the rocket body configuration and set the flight condition where the rocket will be flown. The results show that RCX1H-1 has stable characteristics both in longitudinal and lateral-directional modes even though the rocket has struggled in roll motion for the angle of attack greater than 4 degrees.