73202 - Spacecraft Orbital Dynamics and Control

Learning outcomes

The student learns in details the dynamics of the centre of mass of an artificial satellite, both in the case of motion around a planet or for interplanetary trajectories. Also, the strategies and control laws for orbital maintenance, rendezvous, injection into an interplanetary trajectory and around a target planet are explained, as well as techniques for trajectory design using classical impulsive or low-thrust manoeuvres.

Course contents

Elements of Keplerian orbital mechanics

Equations of Astrodynamics

Lagrange planetary equations

Effect of the main orbital perturbations

- Earth flattening (J20)

- Ellipticity of the 'Equator (J22)

- effect on e and i due to J3

- Atmospheric Drag, overview of atmospheric models

- Solar radiation pressure (bodies with high AMR)

- third body effect

Station keeping maneuvers

- geostationary satellites (North-South)

- geostationary satellites (East-West)

Interplanetary Trajectories

- impulsive and low-thrust maneuvers

- Gravity-assist and Aero-Gravity-assist maneuvers

- Lambert problem

- Trajectory optimization with Python

Radiometric orbit determination

Rendez-vous

Euler-Hill equation

Readings/Bibliography

Course notes distributed by the lecturer.

Further readings:

1. David A. Vallado, “Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications” (Fourth Edition), ISBN: 978-11881883180, Microcosm Press, (2013)
2. Richard H. Battin, “An introduction to the mathematics and methods of astrodynamics” ISBN 1-56347-342-9, AIAA education series (1999)
3. A. E. Roy, “Orbital Motion”, ISBN-13: 978-0750310154, CRC Press (2004)
4. Oliver Montenbruck ; Eberhard Gill, “Satellite orbits : models, methods, and applications”, ISBN 978-3-540-67280-7, Springer-Verlag (2000)

Teaching methods

During classes the subjects are presented by the lecturer, including the explicit proofs of all mathematical formulas introduced and to the presentation of the methods to solve the problems given in the practicing hours.

Some subjects are explored through practical exercises using Python.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 on Health and Safety online.

Assessment methods

The examination usually consists of three questions which allow to assess the capability of the student to resolve new problems or at least to set up the correct resolutive strategy. The assessment of such ability has a fundamental weight in the attribution of the final marks. The student must pass in at least two of the three questions placed by the lecturer in order to pass the examination.

Teaching tools

LCD projector, overhead projector and PC are used in addition to the standard blackboard.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Zannoni