Orbital and Space Flight Mechanics

4 credits

Newton's law of gravitation. Two-body problem, central force motion, Kepler's laws. Trajectories and conic sections. Position and velocity as functions of time. Orbit determination and coordinate transformations. Rocket dynamics, orbital maneuvers, Hohmann transfer. Interplanetary trajectories, patched conics. Planetary escape and capture. Gravity assist maneuvers. Prerequisite: M E 230. Offered: A.