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A need for advanced expertise in dynamics in the launch vehicle industry started Advanced Test and Analysis group in San Diego. In the mid-seventies, ATA was asked to help understand dynamic issues such as pogo for the development of the Space Shuttle. ATA's primary role was modal testing of launch vehicles and development of analytical models. Correlation of models to test results was an important step in achieving confidence in the analysis model which was then used to determine dynamics loads which drove analysis. ATA role in launch vehicles has expanded from this beginning to many aspects of the design and development of launch vehicles. Of particular interest is designing to the dynamics loads. In addition to the structural dynamic design drivers, ATA has become heavily involved in the thermal loads system and detailed analysis and the design of launch vehicles to meet these loads. As launch vehicles become reusable, thermal can be even more critical than dynamics in achieving a reliable high performance design. Furthermore, since launch vehicles have more cost, time, and performance demands, new analysis areas such as flutter have become design concerns. Some of the specific areas for which ATA has leadership capabilities are the following: |