AE 4310: Space Flight Mechanics (3-0-3)
Course Syllabus
First course in astrodynamics that encompasses two-body orbital mechanics, orbit determination,
orbital maneuvers, orbital prediction, interplanetary trajectories, launch and space vehicle
performance and atmospheric entry.
Prerequisites: AE 2220 (Dynamics) or equivalent.
1. Course Introduction (1 hr.)
2. Orbital Mechanics (6 hrs.)
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
Newton’s law of gravitation, N-body problem, Two-body problem
Two-body orbital mechanics (Kepler’s Laws, conic section orbits)
Orbital elements
Conservation of angular momentum and energy
Earth orbits (LEO, GEO, etc.)
3. Orbit Determination (8 hrs.)
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
Reference frames
Determination of orbital elements from position and velocity
Determination of position and velocity from orbital elements
The measurement of time
Spacecraft ground tracks and special orbits (LEO, GEO, SSO, Molyniya)
4. Orbital Maneuvers (3 hrs.)
4.1
4.2
Orbit shaping and orbit transfer (∆V’s, Hohmann transfers)
Orbital plane change
5. Kepler’s Problem: Time of Flight (3 hrs.)
5.1
5.2
5.3
Time-of-flight for elliptic orbits (mean anomaly, eccentric anomaly)
Time-of-flight for parabolic orbits
Time-of-flight for hyperbolic orbits
6. Gauss’ Problem: Intercept & Rendezvous (3 hrs.)
RDB Aug-05
6.1
6.2
6.3
Gauss problem definition
The p-iteration technique
Mission design
7. Interplanetary & Lunar Trajectories (10 hrs.)
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
Patched conic approximation (sphere of influence)
Phase angle and synodic period
Planetary departure and capture
Gravity assist maneuvers
Simple lunar transfers and free-return trajectories
8. Space Vehicle Performance (4 hrs.)
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
Basic vehicle performance (the ideal rocket equation)
The modified rocket equation (with ascent loses included)
Vehicle sizing and synthesis (structural and propellant mass fractions)
Vehicle staging
9. Atmospheric Entry and Aeroheating (3 hrs.)
9.1
9.2
Ballistic entry solutions (Allen-Eggers)
Lifting entry solutions (equilibrium glide)
*4 hours reserved for in-class midterms and 2 days lost to semester breaks
RDB Aug-05