Browse Hierarchy EMS515U: Introduction to Spacecraft Dynamics

This second year aerospace engineering module introduces students to the applications of computational rigid multi-body dynamics (taught in year 1) to investigating orbital and attitude dynamics of spacecraft. It also introduces related concepts in mission design towards achieving pre-specified objectives. Students learn applications of vector kinematics and kinetics in deriving and investigating the Keplerian motion of spacecraft (i.e., two-body dynamics). Then, the applications of 3-D rigid body motion in studying the dynamics and control of spacecraft is developed. Engineering systems and technologies for orbit and attitude motion are also introduced. Students are finally introduced to modelling and simulation of space robotic systems. This is achieved with a series of lectures, group problem solving sessions with a focus on developing computational literacy to tackle the various problems of spacecraft dynamics, and a mid-semester coursework on spacecraft modelling/simulation activities that encourage analytical thinking.