AE4500 Advanced Space Flight Mechanics and Orbital Robotics
This course covers advanced topics in Space Flight Mechanics and Orbital Robotics. The class is designed to provide fundamental engineering and mathematical tools necessary to analyze and design emerging advanced Space Flight missions, such as: Distributed Space Systems, Constellations and Swarms, On-orbit Assembly, Servicing and Manufacturing (ASAM), Space Debris Remediation. Focus of the course is given to modeling the relative orbital and attitude mechanics and advanced guidance and control aspects of co-orbiting artificial satellites. Topics include relative orbital mechanics and orbital perturbations; linear and non-linear proximity maneuver dynamics and control in SE(3); formulation of relative motion using orbital elements; low-thrust propulsion for formation flying; untraditional space flight maneuvers such as those exploiting differential drag. The course teaches rigorous mathematical analysis methods. Numerical simulation experiments will be used to reinforce the learning and enable to case-study realistic mission scenarios. This course covers recent advances of Astronautical Engineering and emphasizing contemporary issues of high interest to DoD, NASA and US Space community at large.
Cross Listed Courses
ME4500
Prerequisite
Orbital Mechanics
SS3500, OR Classical Physics OR Engineering Mechanics OR Approval by Course Coordinator
Corequisite
None
Lecture Hours
3
Lab Hours
2