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Spacecraft Orbital Mechanics

When you'll study it
Semester 2
CATS points
15
ECTS points
7.5
Level
Level 7
Module lead
Alexander Wittig
Academic year
2025-26

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.

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. 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. Finally, the modelling and applications of satellite attitude dynamics are introduced.