Orbit Mechanics

Natural behavior of planets and moons in the solar system as well as spacecraft motion: orbit dynamics, perturbations, and stability; trajectory control, on-orbit maneuvers, and transfers; mission design, patched conics.

AAE53200

Credit Hours:

3

Learning Objective:

Introduce students to spacecraft orbital dynamics and the issues associated with orbital control and station keeping. Primary focus in regimes where two-body analysis and conics are a valid model. Computation and implementation of impulsive maneuvers in three dimensions; transfer orbits and Lambert's theorem to support discussions of mission trajectory design. Impact of the trajectory on other subsystems.

Description:

Natural behavior of planets and moons in the solar system as well as spacecraft motion: orbit dynamics, perturbations, and stability; trajectory control, on-orbit maneuvers, and transfers; mission design, patched conics.

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to the laws of Kepler and Newton; universal gravitation and integrals of motion.2. Fundamental concepts associated with the two-body problem and conics; orbital elements.3. Orbital maneuvers: (1) orbit establishment; (2) single impulse adjustments; (3) multiple impulse transfers including Hohmann transfers, local gravity fields and flybys, Hoelker and Silber transfers, Lambert time-of-flight theorem, three-dimensional transfers; (4) mission design issues.4. Orbital perturbations including Euler-Hill equations for two-close orbiters and some navigational issues.

Prerequisites:

1. Calculus and differential equations through ODEs 2. Vector mechanics; particle/rigid body kinematics and dynamics; three-dimensional coordinate systems and transformations 3. Some introduction to perturbations and linear algebra 4. Numerical methods and tools such as MATLAB.

Applied / Theory:

Web Address:

https://mycourses.purdue.edu/

Web Content:

Syllabus, Grades, Lecture Notes, Homework Assignments and Solutions.

Homework:

Homework 55%

Projects:

None.

Exams:

Two midterms and a final exam.

Instructor(s)

Kathleen Howell

Phone
(765) 494-5786
Email
howell@purdue.edu
Office
ARMS 3235