- WWW Resources
- Catalog Description
- 550 Astrodynamics. (Crosslisted with Astron 550.) I; 3 cr. Coordinate system transformations, central force motion, two body problem, three and n-body problem, theory of orbital perturbations, artificial satellites, elementary transfer orbits, and elementary rocket dynamics. P: EMA 202 or 221; or Physics 311 or con reg; or cons inst.
- Course Prerequisite(s)
- Statics and Dynamics
- Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Prerequisite knowledge and/or skills
-
This course requires an intermediate knowledge of calculus, differential equations, and mathematical analysis. It also requires knowledge of elementary particle dynamics, such as is taught in EMA 202.
- Textbook(s) and/or other required material
-
V. Chobotov, Orbital Mechanics, 3rd edn., AIAA, 2002
- Course objectives
-
Course Objectives: It is the instructor's intention to...
teach the application of Newtonian mechanics principles to the motion of satellites and spacecraft in orbit around the earth and in interplanetary space.
-
Course Outcomes: Students must have the ability to...
-
apply orbital mechanics principles to satellite and spacecraft motion.
-
calculate orbital parameters of satellites.
-
design orbital transfer maneuvers to accomplish desired change of orbit.
-
design interplanetary trajectories to accomplish a specified mission.
-
estimate orbit perturbations due to non-central forces.
- Topics covered
-
Basic concepts
-
Celestial Relationships: Coordinate systems, basic spherical trigonometry concepts, transformation of coordinates, time systems
-
Keplerian Orbits: two-body problem, orbital parameters, Kepler's Laws, Kepler's equation
-
Coordinate transformations
-
Impulsive Orbital Maneuvers: Hohmann transfer orbits, bi-elliptic transfer orbits, semi-tangential transfer, transfer orbits with plane change, rocket equation and orbit transfers with constraints
-
Relative motion: linear theory, spacecraft flybys and rendezvous
-
Orbit perturbations: basic concepts, general theory, variation of orbital parameters, application of orbit perturbations
-
Lunar and interplanetary trajectories: sphere of influence, gravity-assist trajectories, patched conic solutions
-
Miscellaneous topics
- Class/laboratory schedule
-
EMA 550 meets twice per week for conventional 75 minute lectures.
- Contribution of course to meeting the professional component
- This course contributes primarily to the students' knowledge of engineering topics, and does provide design experience.
The following statement indicates which of the following considerations are included in this course: economic, environmental, ethical, political, societal, health and safety, manufacturability, sustainability.
-
-
EMA 550 focuses on the technical aspects of astrodynamics and does not provide coverage of any of ABET's supplemental topics (economic, environmental, etc)
- Relationship of course to undergraduate degree program objectives and outcomes
- This course primarily serves students in the department. The information below describes how the course contributes to the undergraduate program objectives.
-
-
EMA 550 is focused to satisfy the EMA educational objectives by providing instruction in a fundamental subject (astrodynamics) crucial especially to those students intending to make a career in the aerospace industry. It employs problem-solving and an opportunity for a team project and requires students to present their results in both written and oral form.
- Assessment of student progress toward course objectives
-
Homework assignments
-
Written one-hour exams
-
Team-based project with written report and in-class presentation
-
Final exam
- Person(s) who prepared this description
