America's Space Shuttle: Main Propulsion System (MPS) Thrust Vector Control (TVC) NASA Astronaut Training Manual (MPS TVC 2102)

This unique and historic document provides extraordinary detail about the Space Shuttle's Main Propulsion System (MPS) Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system. The official NASA astronaut training manuals comprised a major part of the formal flight crew training process, and were used by flight controllers as well. These internal NASA manuals were produced by the Mission Operations Directorate (Space Flight Training Division branch) at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The manuals and workbooks are extremely detailed and comprehensive, and are designed for self-study. A full listing of all acronyms and abbreviations used in the text is included. They provide a superb way to learn about Shuttle systems, hardware, and operational procedures. Special emphasis on crew interaction with the displays, controls, and hardware is included.

The ATVC is the subsystem that provides control of the MPS and the solid rocket booster (SRB) thrust vector during ascent.

The purpose of the ATVC is to respond to digital autopilot (DAP) commands to control and direct the thrust vector of the vehicle for attitude control and trajectory shaping. Unlike the aerosurface actuators, the positions of the MPS and SRB bells are not of primary concern in the flight control loop. The pointing of the vehicle thrust vector and the resultant rates and attitude of the vehicle are used to control the vehicle during ascent.

The major subsystems composing the ATVC subsystem are the MPS ATVC command subsystem operating program (CMD SOP), the SRB ATVC CMD SOP, the ATVC electrical black box, and the MPS and SRB hydraulic servoactuators. We will emphasize the MPS ATVC subsystem.