In order to accurately point any flying vehicle, we define three axes within the spacecraft, similar to length, width and depth measurements we use on the Earth. For example, in an airplane, the roll axis is defined as being parallel to the fuselage, the pitch axis is defined through the wings so the plane can be oriented nose "up" or "down", and the yaw axis is defined about the vertical so that the nose can be oriented "left" or "right". Similar definitions are used for rockets as well.

Return to The Story of SCO