Angle of attack operation zone analysis and design for lifting entry

For lifting entry vehicle, angle of attack is oneof the most important trajectory control inputs.This paper aims to develop a practical andeffective method for angle of attack design. First,the factors which impact angle of attack areanalyzed. The entry flight is discussed asequilibrium glide phase and initial diving phaserespectively. And the operation zone of angle ofattack is obtained based on constraints ofheating rate, aerodynamic load, dynamicpressure and quasi-equilibrium glide condition.An application is given and simulation resultsshow that the proposed angle of attack designmethod is convenience to obtain angle of attackprofile while satisfying all the path constrains.