Duration
30h Th, 30h Pr, 20h Proj.
Number of credits
| Master in aerospace engineering (120 ECTS) | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This class is intended to give students knowledge and a broader understanding of astrodynamics. By astrodynamics we mean that branch of astronautics that concerns the mathematical theory and the control of the movements of satellites, probes, orbiting vessels and space stations. Another purpose is to introduce students to numerical propagation of satellite orbits in Matlab.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
1. To understand the characteristics of orbits that are commonly used by satellites. 2. Detailed knowledge of the problem involving two bodies aux deux corps. 3. Calculation of orbital parameters of satellites. 4. Estimating perturbations that may be encountered in orbit. 5. Layout of manoeuvres in order to precisely and successfully accomplish a modification of orbit. 6. Elaboration of interplanetary trajectories. 7. Orbital propagation in Matlab.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Classical mechanics.
Basic knowledge of Matlab.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Students will have the opportunity to develop their own orbital propagator in Matlab. This will allow them to further study and understand the concepts introduced during the theoretical lectures (e.g., problem involving two bodies, non-Keplerian perturbations). It is mandatory to work on this project and to deliver the requested report in due time. If the student fails to do so, he will not be able to take the exam.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
1st semester
Recommended or required readings
Assessment methods and criteria
The final grade will be based upon the course project and the oral examination.
1. The project will be carried out by groups of two students. Grading will be based on the results you will obtain and on your personal interpretation of these reults.
2. The oral examination requires both a thorough knowledge and fundamental understanding of the material presented during the lectures. The exam will be closed book. The questionnaire will comprise 10 questions (examples of questions can be found on the web site).
ORAL EXAM: 60%
PROJECT: 40%
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Contacts
Gaetan Kerschen, g.kerschen@ulg.ac.be