After successful completion of the course, students are able to perform basic orbit calculations for spacecraft such as satellites and interplanetary probes. They understand the most important orbital maneuvers and can apply them to examples.
Selection of proper coordinate frames for the formulation of the governing equations of space vehicles; basics of orbital mechanics; perturbation of orbital motion; dynamics of rockets and orbit manoeuvres; determination of interplanetary orbits; introduction to attitude dynamics
Lecture with presentation slides and blackboard
Derivations and examples
Basic skills in mathematics and mechanics