Syllabus

AEM 4301

Orbital Mechanics

3 Credits

 

Catalog Description:

 

The two-body problem. Earth-satellite operations, orbital elements. Time of flight, universal variables, orbit determination. Orbital maneuvers and rocket performance. Interplanetary trajectories, space environment, numerical simulations using software packages. Design project.

 

Course Web Address:

 

http://www.aem.umn.edu/courses/aem4301/

 

Prerequisites by Topic:

 

1.      Dynamics (AEM 2012)

2.      Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (Math 2243)

 

Text:

 

Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students, Curtis, Elsevier

 

Format of Course:

 

3 hours of lecture per week

 

Computer Usage:

 

MatLab and STK (Systems Toolkit from AGI)

 

Course Objectives:

 

This course aims to develop an understanding of the following topics in orbital mechanics:

 

1. Geocentric orbits and orbital transfers.
2. Time of flight.
3. Orbit determination from observations.
4. Interplanetary transfers.
5. The use of software packages such as STK for the numerical analysis of orbital motion.
6. Conceptual designs of space trajectories.
7. Ballistic atmospheric entry.

 

 

 

 

 

Course Outcomes:

 

1. An understanding of the two-body problem.
2. An understanding of orbital elements.
3. An understanding of orbital maneuvers and orbital transfers using impulsive thrusting.
4. An understanding of the time of flight problem and its solution using classical and universal variables.
5. An understanding of methods of orbit determination from observations.
6. An understanding of interplanetary transfers and gravity assists.
7. An understanding of ballistic atmospheric entry.
8. Ability to perform conceptual trajectory designs for geocentric or interplanetary missions.

 

Relationship of course to program objectives:

 

This course covers orbital mechanics and other spaceflight related topics such as impulsive thrusting and atmospheric entry. It makes use of essential engineering tools, problem solving techniques, and numerical methods. The material covered in this course contributes to a broad background in aerospace engineering and helps produce graduates who can work successfully in the area or continue on to graduate level studies.

 

Relationship of course to student outcomes:

 

This course supports the following student outcomes:

 

1.      An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.

2.      An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration to public health, safety and welfare, as well as global cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.

3.      An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and  inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and  meet objectives.

4.      An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed using appropriate learning strategies.

 

 

Outcome Measurement

 

This course is not used to directly measure any of the student outcomes.

 

 

Course Outline:

 

Lecture (Hrs, approx.)	Topic
3	The two-body problem
3	Kepler’s laws, equations of conic sections
3	Geocentric orbits, canonical units
3	Orbital elements, STK
3	Orbital transfers
3	Time of flight
3	Lambert’s theorem
3	Universal variables
3	Numerical methods, MatLab
3	Interplanetary transfers
3	Planetary fly-by, gravity assist
3	The intercept problem
3	Fast transfers
3	Atmospheric entry

 

 

Student Survey Questions:

 

In this course I acquired the following:

 

1.      A knowledge of orbital mechanics and the two-body problem.

2.      A knowledge of orbital maneuvers.

3.      A knowledge of the time-of-flight problem and universal variables.

4.      A knowledge of orbit determination from observations.

5.      A knowledge of the design of geocentric and interplanetary transfer orbits.

6.      A knowledge of atmospheric entry.

 

 

Please answer the following questions regarding the course:

 

7.      The textbook was clearly written and appropriate for the course.

8.      The homework helped me to understand the concepts presented in the course.

9.      The tests were appropriate in length and content.

10.  The level of work required in this course was appropriate for the credit given.

 

 

Last modified:

 

2018-11-16