Astronautics-Relevant Education

Dynamics

Introduction to Space Dynamics, AE-415. Fundamentals of orbital mechanics and rigid body dynamics, two-body problems, orbital maneuvers and orbital determination, rigid body kinematics, and kinetics. Prerequisites: AE 227 and AE 373.
Intermediate Space Dynamics, AE-715. Advanced topics in orbital mechanics-vector mechanics perspective of the two-body problem; fast transfers; interplanetary missions including gravity assist maneuver and intercept problem; atmospheric entry. Prerequisite: AE 415 or instructor's consent.
Intermediate Dynamics, AE-773. Studies the kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies for two- and three-dimensional motion. Includes an introduction to vibratory motion, dynamic stability of linear systems and Lagrange's equations.

Control Systems

Flight Control System, AE-607. Classical design methods for stability and control augmentation and guidance systems specifically for aerospace vehicles, including block diagrams, root locus and frequency response. Sensors used in aerospace systems. Flying qualities and performance specifications for closed loop systems. Includes a review of the aircraft and spacecraft dynamic model derivation.
Modern Flight Control System Design I, AE-707. Modern multi-loop design methods for stability and control augmentation and guidance systems, specifically for aerospace vehicles. State variable model. Optimal state feedback gains and Riccati's equation, tracking systems, sensors and actuator, discretization of continuous dynamic systems, optimal design for digital controls, and effect of nonlinearities and trim conditions on design considerations.
Modern Flight Control Systems Design II, AE-807. Principles of optimal control, optimal spacecraft trajectories including high-thrust and low-thrust transfers, optimization of powered and unpowered atmospheric flights, numerical methods including both direct and indirect optimization schemes, trajectory optimization for multi-air and space vehicle systems. Prerequisite(s): AE 707 and at least one of AE 714 or AE 715.

Space Systems Engineering

Nanosatellite Engineering, AE-718. (ran as Special Topics course in the first few offerings). Provides a fundamental understanding of the design of a nano-satellite and mission design catering to given mission requirements. Covers nano-satellite mission analysis, attitude control, electrical power systems, propulsion subsystem, thermal system, telemetry, data handling/processing and systems engineering tests. Includes hands-on experimentation using nano-satellite educational kits. This course has a lab component. Prerequisite(s): AE 415 or AE 715 or a similar course in orbital mechanics . Pre- or corequisite(s): AE 607 or a similar control course.