Volume
27
Issue
2
Key words
Simulator, XCOR Lynx, Suborbital, Space Operations, Flight Transition Corridor, Vehicle Dynamics, National Air Space, Mission Control Center, Air Traffic Control
Abstract
This study was conducted to better understand the performance of the XCOR Lynx vehicle. Because the Lynx development was halted, the best knowledge of vehicle dynamics can only be found through simulator flights. X-Plane 10 was chosen for its robust applications and accurate portrayal of dynamics on a vehicle in flight. The Suborbital Space Flight Simulator (SSFS) and Mission Control Center (MCC) were brought to the Applied Aviation Sciences department in fall 2015 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach campus. This academic and research tool is a department asset capable of providing multiple fields of data about suborbital simulated flights. This tool will allow flight navigators to assess different aspects of a suborbital flight dynamics and generate various trajectory maps to establish procedures and preventive measures when the vehicle goes through the NAS. It was found that the XCOR Lynx is an unstable platform but has good glide capabilities. This information is useful to pilots who may someday fly the XCOR Lynx as well as air traffic controllers who may have Lynx operations at their airports.
First Page
77
Last Page
98
Scholarly Commons Citation
Llanos, P.,
Nguyen, C.,
Williams, D.,
Chambers, K. O.,
Seedhouse, E.,
& Davidson, R.
(2018).
Space Operations in the Suborbital Space Flight Simulator and Mission Control Center: Lessons Learned with XCOR Lynx.
Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 27(2).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15394/jaaer.2018.1736
Included in
Astrodynamics Commons, Aviation and Space Education Commons, Aviation Safety and Security Commons, Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces Commons, Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Management and Operations Commons, Navigation, Guidance, Control and Dynamics Commons, Programming Languages and Compilers Commons, Software Engineering Commons, Space Vehicles Commons, Systems and Integrative Physiology Commons
