Optimization of trajectory motion of the first stage of an aerospace system

The problems of optimizing the trajectory motion of the first stage of an aerospace system according to the criterion of the maximum of the final mass are considered. The control is the angle of attack and thrust of the engines. Control optimization is carried out on the trajectory section from the point of bringing the first stage to the launch area until the motion parameters required for separation of the space stage are reached. The Pontryagin’s maximum principle is used to determine optimal control programs. The solution of the problem without restrictions on the modes of motion is carried out using the example of acceleration and climb of the first stage of the RASCAL aerospace system. A method is proposed for determining approximate optimal control in a problem with a limitation on the altitude range of the engines with separate optimization of the active and passive sections and the search for the optimal point of their coupling. Changes in control program, trajectory, and fuel consumption are discussed when limiting the maximum flight altitude in the active section.