Artemis II Mission Analysis Cycle (MAC)-2 SRB Separation Analysis

Abstract

This report details the modeling and simulation (M&S) performed as an independent verification and validation (IV&V) of the Space Launch System (SLS) Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) separation from the Core Stage in support of the Artemis II Mission Analysis Cycle 2 (MAC-2). A six degree-of-freedom simulation of the SLS ascent trajectory and SRB separation was developed to analyze separation performance and to understand key uncertainties and risks. Separation dynamics and clearance margins were evaluated to assess the effects of reducing the separation command delay from 9 to 4 seconds, a change from Artemis I that was implemented to improve payload performance. Simulation results from baseline Monte Carlo analyses, failure scenarios, and sensitivity studies are presented to evaluate requirement compliance, compare against SLS Program results, and characterize clearance concerns driven by the change in delay. Additionally, a contact model was incorporated to evaluate how incidental forward attachment ball-socket recontact affects the dynamic motion of the separating stages.