ARO 509 - Astronautics (4)

The space environment and its impact on spacecraft operations. Non-uniform gravitational fields, aerodynamic drag effects, aerobraking, solar heating and pressure, radiation, electrical issues, orbital debris, on-board disturbances. Kepler’s laws, orbital mechanics. Considerations for special orbits including geostationary, Molniya, sunsynchronous.
Hyperbolic escape trajectories, method of patched conics, interplanetary transfers, gravity assists, effects of trajectory errors. Space mission and trajectory design. Spacecraft thermal control and life support systems.

Prerequisite(s): C or better in dynamics.
Component(s): 4 lectures/problem-solving.