Although all of the generic data types required for aerodynamic parameter identification are available from the baseline orbiter systems, the data are not suitable for experimentation because of such factors as sample rate deficiencies, inadequate data resolution or computer cycle time and core size interactions. In addition, the baseline data are operational measurements that are not subject to the desired changes for conducting experiments. The ACIP is a group of sensors that will be placed on the orbiter to obtain experiment measurements unavailable through the baseline system.

The primary ACIP objectives are as follows: (1) to collect aerodynamic data in the hypersonic, supersonic and transonic flight regimes, regions in which there has been little opportunity for gathering and accumulating practical data; (2) to establish an extensive aerodynamic data base for verifying and correlating ground-based test data, including assessments of the uncertainties in such data; and (3) to provide flight dynamics state-variable data in support of other technology areas, such as aerothermal and structural dynamics.

Implementing the ACIP program will benefit the space shuttle because the more precise data obtained through the ACIP will enable earlier attainment of the spacecraft's full operational capability. Currently installed instrumentation provides sufficiently precise data for orbiter operations, but not for research. The result is that constraint removal would either be based on less substantive data or would require a long-term program of gathering the less accurate data.

The ACIP incorporates three triads of instruments: one of linear accelerometers, one of angular accelerometers and one of rate gyros. Also included are the power conditioner for the gyros, the power control system and the housekeeping components for the instruments. The ACIP is aligned to the orbiter's axes with extreme accuracy. Its instruments continually sense the dynamic X, Y and Z attitudes and the performance characteristics of the orbiter during the launch, orbital, entry and descent phases of flight. In addition, the ACIP receives the indications of orbiter control surface positions and converts the information into higher orders of precision before recording it with the attitude data. The output signals are routed to the pulse code modulation system for formatting with orbiter time data and data from the orbiter experiments. The data are then stored in the OEX tape recorder.