SS3400 Orbital Mechanics, Launch and Space Operations

This course provides an understanding of Orbital Mechanics and the associated implications to the use of space-based systems in support of military operations. Fundamental concepts such as conic sections, coordinate systems, coordinate transformations and time are covered, then applied to the understanding and application of Newton's laws, Kepler's laws, orbital elements, perturbations, and orbital maneuvering. Prerequisites: None.

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

2

Course Learning Outcomes

• Explain the physics of orbital motion.
• Define and describe the parameters used to define an orbit.
• Given a list of orbital elements, describe the associated orbit and the possible/likely operational uses of the orbit.
• Explain the basic orbital regimes and their associated advantages and disadvantages relative to space-based missions.
• List common orbital perturbations and describe how they hinder or help mission performance.
• Given a specific orbit, explain the relevant perturbations.
• Given measurements, derive the associated orbital elements and describe the orbit.
• Calculate how to launch into a particular orbit and how to change from one orbit to another.