Selection of optimum strapdown attitude algorithms for a spinning reentry vehicle

This paper develops optimum attitude algorithms for a Strapdown Laser Gyro Navigation System for a maneuvering reentry vehicle. Algorithms are selected both for a spinning and coning environment and for a nonspinning maneuvering environment. The optimum algorithm is defined to be one which provides, minimum error between true and computed attitude due to algorithm truncation. The optimum algorithms are obtained from incremental approximations to closed form solutions for assumed vehicle dynamic motion, both during spin stabilization and maneuvering reentry. Error sensitivity to cone angle, spin rate, and solution rate are presented.