Duration
26h Th, 26h Pr, 20h Proj.
Number of credits
| Master MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, professional focus in aerospace engineering | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Substitute(s)
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
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 Python.
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.
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 Python.
8. Familiarization with an industrial simulation tool.
This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, II.1, III.2, IV.1, VI.1, VI.2, VII.2, VII.3, VII.4, VII.5 of the MSc in aerospace engineering.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Classical mechanics.
Basic knowledge of Python.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
A practical assignment on the numerical propagation of satellite orbits using the Python programming language will be offered to students. This assignment will allow them to apply the concepts covered in the course (e.g., two-body problem, perturbations) and to gain initial hands-on experience with an industrial simulation tool. This activity is an integral part of the course unit and is considered mandatory. Any student who does not participate in this activity and/or fails to submit the required report within the specified deadlines and in the prescribed format will not be admitted to sit the first-session exam.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
1st semester
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Written work / report
Further information:
The final grade will be based upon the course project and the oral examination.
1. The project 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.
ORAL EXAM: 70%
PROJECT: 30%
Exam in August: oral exam only based on the course slides (no project any more)
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
Carl-Henrik Dahlqvist, carl-henrik.dahlqvist@spacebel.be
Joffrey Coheur, joffrey.coheur@spacebel.be