Space Shuttle Body Axis Coordinate System
The Space Shuttle Body Axis Coordinate System (BACS) is a rotating, right-handed, Cartesian system.
The origin of the Space Shuttle BACS is the center of mass of the orbiter. The three axes, X, Y, and Z,
are defined as follows:
- The X axis is parallel to the orbiter structural body X-orbiter axis, and is positive toward the nose.
- The Z axis is parallel to the orbiter plane of symmetry, is perpendicular to the X axis, and is positive down with respect to
the orbiter fuselage.
- The Y axis completes the right-handed orthogonal system.
The Euler sequence that is commonly associated with this system is a yaw, pitch, roll sequence.
This attitude sequence is yaw, pitch, and roll around the Z, Y, and X axes, respectively.