MONTE-CARLO SIMULATION OF LAUNCH SITE WINDS AT KENNEDY-SPACE-CENTER

This paper develops an easily implemented model for simulating random horizontal wind profiles over the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at Cape C anaveral, Florida. The model is intended for use in Monte Carlo launch vehicle simulations of the type employed in mission planning. In this type of simulation, the large number of profiles needed for statistic al fidelity of such simulation experiments makes the use of actual win d measurements impractical. The model is based on measurements made at KSC and represents vertical correlations by a decaying exponential mo del that is parameterized via least-squares parameter fit to the sampl e data. The model is demonstrated by comparing two open-loop Monte Car lo simulations of an asymmetric, heavy-lift launch vehicle. In the fir st simulation, measured wind profiles are used, whereas in the second, the wind profiles are generated using the stochastic model. The simul ations indicate that the use of either the measured or simulated wind field results in similar launch vehicle performance. Although the mode l documented here is based on winter data, it can easily be adapted to other seasons.