Space and astronautical engineering

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

1. Math fundamentals (2 hours). Vector differentiation, transport theorem, elementary rotations, composite rotations. 2. Keplerian trajectories (14 hours). Fundamental principles, two-body problem, gravitational potential, first integrals, position and velocity, energy (per mass unit), position in time, special Keplerian trajectories, general classification of Keplerian orbits, representations in three dimensions, ground track, exercises [codocente, 6 hrs]. 3. Impulsive orbit transfers (10 hours). Impulsive thrust approximation, effect of velocity impulses, globally optimal transfers between coplanar circular orbits, three-dimensional orbit transfers, globally optimal transfers from elliptic orbit to hyperbolic path, exercises [codocente, 4 hrs]. 4. Interplanetary trajectories [codocente] (14 hours). Introduction, sphere of influence, method of patched conics, planetary encounter opportunities, planetary flyby, exercises. 5. Orbital motion in multibody environments (6 hours). Introduction, problem of N bodies, problem of 2 bodies, circular restricted three-body problem (equations of motion, Jacobi integral, zero velocity surfaces and curves, libration points). 6. Fundamentals of rocket dynamics [codocente] (6 hours). Newton law with propulsion, rocket staging, optimal rocket staging. Ascent trajectory of a launch vehicle. 7. Relative orbit motion (6 hours). Introduction, equations of spaceflight, equations of relative orbit motion, general solution (natural motion), special solutions, exercises. 8. Orbit perturbations (10 hours). Introduction, Lagrange planetary equations (Gauss form), aerodynamic drag, solar radiation pressure, Earth gravitational harmonics, J2 harmonic (Earth oblateness), third body gravitational perturbation, exercises. 9. Rigid body kinematics (8 hours). Rigid-body-model of a spacecraft, rotation matrix (cosine direction matrix), sequences of angles, principal axis and angle, Euler parameters (quaternions), comparison: Euler parameters vs. sequences of angles, exercises. 10. Complements of Newton mechanics (2 hours). Systems of particles, continuous systems. 11. Fundamentals of rigid body dynamics (12 hours). Introduction to rigid body dynamics (angular momentum, inertia matrix, principal axes of inertia, parallel axis theorem, Euler equations, kinetic energy), torque-free motion (axisymmetric bodies, general body, stability of pure spin, energy and momentum integrals, nutation of axisymmetric bodies), attitude maneuvers of spinning satellites, exercises.

- Elementary geometry - Linear algebra - Elementary vector calculus - Math analysis - Newton mechanics

1. Prussing J.E., Conway B.A., Orbital Mechanics, Oxford University Press, 2012 2. Curtis H.D., Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students, Elsevier, 2010 3. H. Schaub, J. Junkins, Analytical Mechanics of Space Systems, AIAA Education Series, 2003 4. A. H. de Ruiter, C. Damaren, J. R. Forbes, Spacecraft Dynamics and Control: an Introduction, Wiley, 2013 5. Dispense del docente, https://corsidilaurea.uniroma1.it/user/34177

Lectures, focused on the central topics of the module, and including numerical exercises.

Attending the lectures is not mandatory, though recommended.

The student must demonstrate (a) to understand the main topics of the module and (b) capability of applying the theoretical contents to problems of practical relevance in spaceflight mechanics. The evaluation is based on two written tests (at the end of the lectures): 1. Written test on theoretical topics (no book or note allowed), including 4 questions. Time available: 1.5 hours 2. Written test on numerical exercises (books and notes allowed), including 3 exercises (2 on orbital mechanics, 1 on attitude dynamics). Time available: 2 hours The evaluation ranges from 0 to 30, according to the following criterion: minimum understanding and applicative skills (grade 18-20), medium understanding and applicative skills (grade 21-24), good understanding and applicative skills (grade 25-28), very good or excellent understanding and applicative skills (grade 29 through 30 cum Laude).

Lectures, focused on the central topics of the course, and including numerical exercises.

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani

Information available on web-area of Prof. Mauro Pontani