Astrodynamics

3 Credits

Kepler's Laws are proven from basic mechanics, then used to determine the equations of motion for a satellite. Subsequent topics include various kinds of orbits in use today, orbit determination, orbital maneuvers, and rendezvous. Interplanetary trajectories, satellite attitude dynamics, rocket vehicles, and orbital perturbations are also discussed. ME 456 is the graduate level version of ME 356 ; requires additional assignments and/or projects appropriate for graduate level study. Credit will not be given for both ME 356 and ME 456 .