Attitude of Space Shuttle

The attitude angles of the Space Shuttle are specified as a set of Euler-like rotations which define the Space Shuttle orientation as a spacecraft maneuver sequence which aligns the BACS with the GTOD axes. The rotations are defined in a yaw, pitch, roll sequence as follows:

• The spacecraft is yawed the angle alpha about the Z axis of the spacecraft. Positive rotation is X to Y.
• With the spacecraft in the position resulting from the previous rotation, the spacecraft is then pitched the angle beta about the Y axis of the spacecraft. Positive rotation is Z into X.
• With the spacecraft in the position resulting from the two previous rotations, it is then rolled the angle phi about the spacecraft X axis. Positive rotation is Y into Z.