Flight dynamics

Flight dynamics in aviation and spacecraft, is the study of the performance, stability, and control of vehicles flying through the air or in outer space.

Spacecraft flight dynamics involve three main forces: propulsive (rocket engine), gravitational, and atmospheric resistance.

The critical flight dynamics parameters are the angles of rotation with respect to the three aircraft's principal axes about its center of gravity, known as roll, pitch and yaw.

Roll, pitch and yaw refer, in this context, to rotations about the respective axes starting from a defined equilibrium state.

The vehicle's attitude must be controlled during powered atmospheric flight because of its effect on the aerodynamic and propulsive forces.