ORBITAL MECHANICS
Coordinate system transformations, central force motion, two body problem, three and n-body problem, theory of orbital perturbations, artificial satellites, elementary transfer orbits, elementary rocket dynamics, and basic interplanetary mission planning. Was ASTRON 550 prior to Fall 2026.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: ( E M A 202 , M E 240, or PHYSICS 311 , or concurrent enrollment), or member of Engineering Guest Students Course Designation: Breadth - Physical Science Level - Advanced L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Apply orbital mechanics principles to satellite and spacecraft motion. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Calculate orbital parameters of satellites. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Design orbital transfer maneuvers to accomplish desired change of orbit. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Design interplanetary trajectories to accomplish a specific mission. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Estimate orbit perturbations due to non-central forces. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Apply orbital mechanics principles to satellite and spacecraft motion. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Calculate orbital parameters of satellites. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Design orbital transfer maneuvers to accomplish desired change of orbit. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Design interplanetary trajectories to accomplish a specific mission. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Estimate orbit perturbations due to non-central forces. Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027