This paper describes how the mechanisms of data encapsulation, data abstraction and polymor-phism of Object Oriented Programming Languages (OOPL) can be used in the development of a computer code for performance analysis and simulation of a launch vehicle. The use of these mechanisms support a coding style that mimics the engineering practice of dividing the launch vehicle in a number of different subsystems, each one with a specified performance, an envelope of operating parameters and an interface with the other subsystems. A sample application program using the postulates described was coded for an ideal rocket in free space and for a rocket in a gravitational field. The results obtained encourage further work on the code. Future development of a user-friendly interface in a windowing system will make the code versatile and easy to use.
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