This thesis considers the problem of generating optimal entry trajectories for a reusable launch vehicle following a control surface failure. The thesis builds

Autonomous reusable launch vehicles (RLV) are being pursued as low-cost alternatives to expendable launch vehicles and the Shuttle. The employment of autonomous

The key to opening the use of space to private enterprise and to broader public uses lies in reducing the cost of the transportation to space. More routine, aff

Reconfigurable inner-loop control laws improve the fault tolerance of a vehicle to control effector failures; however, in order to preserve stability, the unfai

Realizing a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) that is low cost with highly effective launch capability has become the "Holy Grail" within the aerospace community wo