MAE 570 Space Exploration Systems

3 Credit Hours

This course will cover topics related to space exploration. Orbital maneuvers, ground tracks, specialized orbits, lunar trajectories and interplanetary trajectories. Spacecraft systems, including communications, attitude control, thermal protection, batteries/power, sensors, and life support systems.

Prerequisite

MAE 208 (Engineering Dynamics) or PY 205 (Physics for Engineers and Scientists I) and MA 242 (Calculus III) and MA 301 (Introduction to Differential Equations) or MA 341 (Applied Differential Equations)

Course Objectives

The objective of the course is to learn how to:

(1) calculate satellite and spacecraft trajectories required to achieve specific spacecraft mission objectives, e.g. delivering a rover to Mars or placing a weather satellite in orbit around the Earth;

(2) Select a launch vehicle appropriate for a specific space mission;

(3) determine which spacecraft subsystems (e.g. attitude control systems, communication devices, batteries, etc.) will be required for a particular space mission.

Course requirements

Homework assignments

Project assignments 

Exams: 1 midterm and 1 final

Textbook

SPACECRAFT MISSION DESIGN – BROWN, CHARLES D.
Edition: 2ND
ISBN: 13: 9781563472626

Created: 4/16/2024