SATELLITE DYNAMICS
Review of Euler's equations, torque-free motion, stability of rotation, energy dissipation effects, gyroscopic instruments, gyrodynamics of the Earth, gravity gradient stabilized satellites, spin stabilized satellites, dual spin satellites, tethered satellites, mass movement techniques, space vehicle motion and rocket dynamics.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: E M A 442 (or E M A 542 prior to Fall 2026), PHYSICS 311 , graduate/professional standing, or member of Engineering Guest Students Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Formulate and solve problems using attitude parameterizations to describe the motion of aerospace systems Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Formulate and solve problems using linear and angular momentum to generate equations of motion for spacecraft Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Formulate and solve problems using energy methods to predict the attitude motion of spacecraft Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Demonstrate knowledge of spacecraft stability and control theory to assess and enforce spacecraft attitude Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Formulate and solve problems using attitude parameterizations to describe the motion of aerospace systems Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Formulate and solve problems using linear and angular momentum to generate equations of motion for spacecraft Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Formulate and solve problems using energy methods to predict the attitude motion of spacecraft Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Demonstrate knowledge of spacecraft stability and control theory to assess and enforce spacecraft attitude Audience: Graduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027