Spacecraft Orbital Mechanics

Module overview

This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of spaceflight orbital mechanics and then elaborates on trajectory design for planet centred and interplanetary missions. Starting from a review of Keplerian motion introduced in earlier modules, it covers the design and characterisation of planet-centred orbits in presence of perturbations and orbital transfer manoeuvres. The module investigates the modelling of orbital perturbation, Earth-bound and interplanetary trajectory design, gravity assist manoeuvres, and rendezvous & docking dynamics. Furthermore, techniques for analytical and numerical orbit propagation and orbit determination from observations will be considered. Finally, an introduction to concepts of modern dynamical system theory applied to missions to and around the libration points in the circular restricted three body problem will be presented.

Linked modules

Pre-requisites: SESA2024 and SESA3039

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

 be aware of current problems and/or new insights most of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of mission design and analysis (SM8m)
 know the characteristics of particular equipment, processes or products relevant to space mission design and analysis with extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components (P2m)
 understand how Orbital Mechanics is applied in the context of mission development and spacecraft operations (P1m)
 demonstrate awareness that engineering activities should promote sustainable development and apply quantitative techniques where appropriate (EL11)
 understand concepts relevant to Orbital Mechanics, some from outside engineering, and evaluate them critically and apply them effectively, including in engineering projects (SM6m, SM9m)
 thoroughly understand current space mission design practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments (P9m)
 provide a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology underpinning modern Orbital Mechanics to enable appreciation of the scientific and engineering context, and to support understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies (SM1m)
 know and understand the mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin Orbital Mechanics, and to enable you to apply a range of mathematical methods, tools, and notations proficiently and critically in the analysis and solution of space mission design problems (SM2m)
 demonstrate awareness of developing technologies related to Orbital Mechanics (SM4m)
 know and understand design processes and methodologies in mission design and analysis, and apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations (D10)
 make general evaluations of risk issues in the context of mission design and analysis, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk (EL13)
 show a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computational models relevant to Orbital Mechanics and an appreciation of their limitations (SM5m)
 understand the relevant scientific principles of Orbital Mechanics (SM7m)

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

 apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support study of Orbital Mechanics and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively (SM3m)
 use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies (EA5)
 extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems (EA6m)
 plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD (G2m)
 identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques (EA2m)
 apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches and understanding their limitations, in order to solve space mission design and analysis problems and implement appropriate action (EA3m)
 apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints (P10m)
 monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis (G3m)

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods will include 36 lectures using a mix of slides and blackboard derivations. Panopto recordings of the lectures along with the slide deck will be made available on Blackboard wherever possible.

The lectures are complemented by 4 supervised 2h computer lab sessions as well as weekly office hours.

Further learning activities include directed reading and individual problem solving.

Study time
Type	Hours
Specialist Laboratory	8
Follow-up work	24
Revision	24
Completion of assessment task	24
Lecture	36
Wider reading or practice	10
Preparation for scheduled sessions	24
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Matlab/Python and GMAT. Scientific computing environment and GMAT mission analysis tool (open source) will be used in the computer labs.

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Final Assessment	70%
Continuous Assessment	30%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External