AEE554 APPLIED ORBITAL MECHANICS

Course Code:5720554
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:8.0
Department:Aerospace Engineering
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Graduate
Course Coordinator:Assoc.Prof.Dr. HALİL ERSİN SÖKEN
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

This course aims to provide the students with an understanding of

  • orbital motion of the spacecraft
  • orbit determination and estimation concepts
  • orbital maneuvers and design of interplanetary trajectories
  • spacecraft dynamics
  • launch and rocket dynamics

Course Content

Coordinate systems, ime systems; two body problem, geometry of conic sections, three body problem; orbital perturbations; orbital maneuvers, Hohman transfer, inclination and station keeping maneuvers, interplanetary trajectories; methods of determination of an orbit.; satellite attitude dynamics, stability of orbital motion, spacecraft attitude control.


Course Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this course successfully will be able to:

  • apply preliminary orbit determination methods in practice
  • code orbit estimation algorithms
  • solve orbital maneuver problems and design interplanetary trajectories for space missions
  • solve orbital rendezvous problems for any two celestial objects including the spacecraft
  • analyze the spacecraft dynamics
  • design trajectories for rocket launch

Program Outcomes Matrix

Contribution
#Program OutcomesNoYes
1Possesses advanced knowledge in one or more subfields of aerospace engineering and applies this knowledge effectively in engineering practices and solution processes.
2Follows current scientific and technological developments in the field, identifies research problems, generates solutions using appropriate methods, and interprets the results.
3Employs analytical thinking and numerical methods in solving complex engineering problems and, when necessary, develops and applies appropriate experimental approaches.
4Uses appropriate modeling, analysis, simulation, and experimental methods for complex engineering problems, evaluates the results, and makes engineering decisions.
5Clearly and systematically communicates scientific and technical knowledge in written and oral form, works effectively in intra-disciplinary and interdisciplinary teams, and assumes leadership when necessary.
6Acts with professional ethics and awareness of social and environmental responsibility and evaluates the possible impacts of engineering solutions.
7Understands the importance of lifelong learning and effectively uses methods to access new knowledge.
8Is aware of fundamental engineering problems related to national aerospace, defense, and energy technologies and possesses the competence to contribute to these areas.