In this article, we initialize the analysis under generic assumptions of the small \textit{time optimal synthesis} for single input systems with \textit{state constraints}. We use geometric methods to evaluate \textit{the small time reachable set} and necessary optimality conditions. Our work is motivated by the \textit{optimal control of the atmospheric arc for the re-entry of a space shuttle}, where the vehicle is subject to constraints on the thermal flux and on the normal acceleration. A \textit{multiple shooting technique} is finally applied to compute the optimal longitudinal arc.