Syllabus

AEM 4305

Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control

3 Credits

 

Catalog Description:

 

Kinematics/dynamics for six-degree of freedom rigid body motions. Euler's angles/equations. Torque free motion, spin stabilization, dual-spin spacecraft, nutation damping, gyroscopic attitude control, gravity gradient stabilization. Linear systems analysis, Laplace transforms, transfer functions. Linear control theory. PID controllers. Applications. MATLAB/Simulink simulations.

 

Course Web Address:

 

http://www.aem.umn.edu/courses/aem4302/

 

Prerequisites by Topic:

 

1.      Orbital Mechanics (AEM 4301)

2.      Flight Dynamics and Control (AEM 4303W)

 

Text:

 

De Ruiter, Damaren, & Forbes: Spacecraft Dynamics and Control: An Introduction, Wiley

 

Format of Course:

 

3 hours of lecture per week

 

Computer Usage: MATLAB/Simulink

 

Course Objectives:

 

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

 

1. Kinematics and kinetics of 6-degree of freedom rigid body motions.
2. Passive methods of spacecraft stabilization.
3. Attitude determination.
4. Spacecraft attitude control.
5. Simulations using MATLAB/Simulink. 

 

 

 

Course Outcomes:

 

1. An understanding of 3-dimensional rigid body dynamics.
2. An understanding of zero-torque motion.
3. An understanding of stability and techniques for passive spacecraft stabilization such as spin stabilization and gravity gradient stabilization,
4. An understanding of attitude determination methods.
5. An understanding of single-axis active attitude control.
6. An ability to use MATLAB and Simulink to simulate active control systems.

 

Relationship of course to program objectives:

 

This course develops topics in spacecraft attitude dynamics and control. It introduces problem-solving techniques and makes use of essential tools for aerospace engineering. 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 program 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 public health, safety and welfare, as well as global cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.

 

Outcome Measurement

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Outline:

 

Lecture (Hrs, approx.)	Topic
12	Rigid body motion
12	Satellite attitude dynamics
2	Overview of satellite attitude determination and control
4	Introduction to Laplace Transforms
6	Introduction to Feedback Control
9	Active Satellite Attitude Control

 

 

 

Student Survey Questions:

 

In this course I acquired the following:

 

1.      Knowledge of 3 dimensional kinematics of rigid bodies.

2.      Knowledge of 3 dimensional kinetics of rigid bodies.

3.      Overview of methods for attitude determination and control.

4.      Ability to select methods for attitude determination and control based on requirements such as system pointing accuracy.

5.      Knowledge of spin stabilization.

6.      Knowledge of gravity gradient torques.

7.      Knowledge of Laplace transforms.

8.      Knowledge of attitude control using reaction wheels and reaction jets.

9.      Ability to simulate attitude control systems using MATLAB/Simulink.

 

Please answer the following questions regarding the course:

 

10.  The text book was clearly written and appropriate for the course.

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

12.  The tests were appropriate in length and content.

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

 

 

Last modified:

 

2018-11-16