2023-2024 / AERO0024-1

Astrodynamics

Duration

26h Th, 26h Pr, 20h Proj.

Number of credits

 Master of Science (MSc) in Aerospace Engineering5 crédits 

Lecturer

Gaëtan Kerschen

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This class is intended to give students knowledge and a broader understanding of astrodynamics. By astrodynamics we mean that branch of astronautics that concerns the mathematical theory and the control of the movements of satellites, probes, orbiting vessels and space stations. Another purpose is to introduce students to numerical propagation of satellite orbits in Matlab.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

1. To understand the characteristics of orbits that are commonly used by satellites.
2. Detailed knowledge of the problem involving two bodies.
3. Calculation of orbital parameters of satellites.
4. Estimating perturbations that may be encountered in orbit.
5. Layout of manoeuvres in order to precisely and successfully accomplish a modification of orbit.
6. Elaboration of interplanetary trajectories.
7. Orbital propagation in Matlab.

This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, II.1, III.2, IV.1, VI.1, VI.2, VII.2, VII.3, VII.4, VII.5 of the MSc in aerospace engineering.

 

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Classical mechanics.
Basic knowledge of Matlab.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Students will have the opportunity to develop their own orbital propagator in Matlab. This will allow them to further study and understand the concepts introduced during the theoretical lectures (e.g., problem involving two bodies, non-Keplerian perturbations). It is mandatory to work on this project and to deliver the requested report in due time. If the student fails to do so, he will not be able to take the exam.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

1st semester

 

 

Recommended or required readings

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam

Written work / report


Additional information:

The final grade will be based upon the course project and the oral examination.

1. The project will be carried out by groups of two students. Grading will be based on the results you will obtain and on your personal interpretation of these reults.

2. The oral examination requires both a thorough knowledge and fundamental understanding of the material presented during the lectures. The exam will be closed book.

ORAL EXAM: 60%

PROJECT: 40%

 

Exam in August: oral exam based on the course slides (no project any more)

 

 

 

 

 

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Gaetan Kerschen, g.kerschen@uliege.be

 

Association of one or more MOOCs