Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft from Coursera

The movement of bodies in space (like spacecraft, satellites, and space stations) must be predicted and controlled with precision in order to ensure safety and efficacy. Kinematics is a field that develops descriptions and predictions of the motion of these bodies in 3D space. This course in Kinematics covers four major topic areas: an introduction to particle kinematics, a deep dive into rigid body kinematics in two parts (starting with classic descriptions of motion using the directional cosine matrix and Euler angles, and concluding with a review of modern descriptors like quaternions and Classical and Modified Rodrigues parameters). The course ends with a look at static attitude determination, using modern algorithms to predict and execute relative orientations of bodies in space.

After this course, you will be able to...

* Differentiate a vector as seen by another rotating frame and derive frame dependent velocity and acceleration vectors

* Apply the Transport Theorem to solve kinematic particle problems and translate between various sets of attitude descriptions

* Add and subtract relative attitude descriptions and integrate those descriptions numerically to predict orientations over time

* Derive the fundamental attitude coordinate properties of rigid bodies and determine attitude from a series of heading measurements

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Kinematics

This module covers particle kinematics. A special emphasis is placed on a frame-independent vectorial notation. The position velocity and acceleration of particles are derived using rotating frames utilizing the transport theorem.

Rigid Body Kinematics I

This module provides an overview of orientation descriptions of rigid bodies. The 3D heading is here described using either the direction cosine matrix (DCM) or the Euler angle sets. For each set the fundamental attitude addition and subtracts are discussed, as well as the differential kinematic equation which relates coordinate rates to the body angular velocity vector.

Rigid Body Kinematics II

This module covers modern attitude coordinate sets including Euler Parameters (quaternions), principal rotation parameters, Classical Rodrigues parameters, modified Rodrigues parameters, as well as stereographic orientation parameters. For each set the concepts of attitude addition and subtraction is developed, as well as mappings to other coordinate sets.

Static Attitude Determination

This module covers how to take an instantaneous set of observations (sun heading, magnetic field direction, star direction, etc.) and compute a corresponding 3D attitude measure. The attitude determination methods covered include the TRIAD method, Devenport's q-method, QUEST as well as OLAE. The benefits and computation challenges are reviewed for each algorithm.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers the fundamental principles of rigid body kinematics, a core area in aerospace engineering and astronautics

Taught by Hanspeter Schaub, a recognized expert in the field of spacecraft attitude determination and control

Emphasizes practical applications, equipping learners with skills used in the aerospace industry

Covers advanced topics like quaternions and Classical Rodrigues parameters, which are essential for modern attitude control systems

Requires a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, making it suitable for advanced learners

Utilizes a rotating frame approach, providing a deeper understanding of particle kinematics

Reviews summary

Well-received course on spacecraft kinematics

Learners say the course on kinematics in spacecraft is largely positive. Students highly recommend this course, describing it as amazing, great, and engaging. They especially note the clear and well-organized lessons, the challenging but rewarding assignments, and the excellent professor. Many have commented that the course has provided them with a strong foundation in spacecraft kinematics and has helped them gain confidence in their abilities.

Assignments help apply learned concepts

"Great course, the teacher makes us want to continue, it's clear and concise."

"The assignments where you had to write your own code to determine the spacecraft attitudes were very useful for applying what you had learnt."

"Very nice course, on a very good level, to students or professionals alike."

Passionate and knowledgeable instructor

"Amazing and passionate teaching."

"Excellent professor, very useful content and very complete."

"I really liked this course, the professor is really good at both explaining and deeply knowing the subject"

Neatly explained concepts and well-organized assignments

"Concepts are neatly explained."

"Great engineering course. Got a lot of knowledge in a simple way."

"Assignments are precise and well organized."

Limited support from instructors and staff

"There is NO HELP from teachers/instructors in the discussion forums at all, you are left with the courtesy of other students."

"Another is that the course uses python to submit the numerical assignments, however the "correct" answers that the course uses for grading you come from matlab"

"For 1 there is 0 support for learners, there's no mentors to help you, if you get stuck you will have to dig though the discussion boards or search google for help."

Career center

Learners who complete Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Spacecraft Design Engineer

Spacecraft design engineers design, develop, and test spacecraft. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft provides a comprehensive understanding of the kinematics of rigid bodies, including attitude determination and control. Spacecraft design engineers can utilize this knowledge to design spacecraft structures and systems that ensure stability, maneuverability, and precise motion control. This course offers valuable knowledge and skills for individuals aspiring to become spacecraft design engineers.

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Avionics Engineer

Avionics engineers design, develop, test, and maintain the electronic systems used in aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft provides a solid foundation in the kinematics of rigid bodies, including attitude determination and control. Avionics engineers rely on a deep understanding of spacecraft motion to design and implement avionics systems that ensure stability, maneuverability, and safe operation. This course directly aligns with the requirements of this role by equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills.

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Flight Dynamics Engineer

Flight dynamics engineers analyze and predict the motion of aircraft and spacecraft. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft offers a comprehensive exploration of the kinematics of rigid bodies, including attitude determination and control. By understanding the principles governing the motion of spacecraft, flight dynamics engineers can accurately predict trajectories, plan maneuvers, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of spacecraft missions. This course is highly relevant to the field of flight dynamics engineering and provides a strong foundation for success in this role.

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Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer

Guidance, navigation, and control engineers design and develop systems to guide, navigate, and control vehicles, including aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft provides a deep understanding of the kinematics of rigid bodies, including attitude determination and control. By mastering these concepts, guidance, navigation, and control engineers can effectively design and implement systems that ensure precise and reliable motion control for various vehicles. This course is highly valuable for individuals pursuing a career in this field.

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Control Systems Engineer

Control systems engineers design, develop, and maintain control systems for various applications, including spacecraft, aircraft, and industrial processes. A key aspect of control systems engineering is understanding the kinematics of the system being controlled. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft provides a comprehensive understanding of the kinematics of rigid bodies. Control systems engineers can apply the knowledge gained from this course to model, analyze, and design control systems for spacecraft, ensuring precise and stable motion.

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Mission Analyst

Mission analysts plan, design, and execute spacecraft missions. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft provides a comprehensive understanding of the kinematics of rigid bodies, including attitude determination and control. By mastering these concepts, mission analysts can effectively plan and execute maneuvers, optimize trajectories, and ensure the success of spacecraft missions. This course offers valuable knowledge and skills for individuals aspiring to become mission analysts.

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Satellite Communications Engineer

Satellite communications engineers design, develop, and maintain satellite communication systems. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft provides a deep understanding of the kinematics of rigid bodies, including attitude determination and control. Satellite communications engineers can apply this knowledge to design and optimize satellite communication systems, ensuring reliable and efficient communication between satellites and ground stations. This course is highly valuable for individuals pursuing a career in satellite communications engineering.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers design, develop, test, and oversee the production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft delves into predicting and controlling the movement of bodies in space with precision. This knowledge is fundamental to the design and operation of spacecraft and is highly relevant to the field of aerospace engineering. By understanding the kinematics of spacecraft, students can contribute to the advancement of space exploration and the development of innovative aerospace technologies.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers design, build, and maintain robots. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft provides a strong foundation in kinematics, including the study of rigid body motion and attitude determination. Robotics engineers can apply this knowledge to model and control the motion of robots, enabling them to perform complex tasks with precision. This course is highly relevant for individuals pursuing a career in robotics engineering, particularly in areas involving spacecraft robotics.

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Astronomer

Astronomers study the universe's physical properties, stars, planets, galaxies, and cosmic microwave background radiation. They interpret astronomical data to understand the origin, evolution, and composition of the universe. One can leverage the knowledge gained from this course to build a foundation in the celestial mechanics, a branch of astronomy that studies the motion of celestial objects, which would prove useful for a career as an astronomer. The course's focus on kinematics and describing the motions of spacecraft is directly applicable to the field of astronomy, where understanding the movement of celestial bodies is crucial.

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Propulsion Engineer

Propulsion engineers design, develop, and test propulsion systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft covers the kinematics of rigid bodies, including attitude determination and control. Propulsion engineers can utilize this knowledge to understand how spacecraft motion is affected by propulsion systems and design propulsion systems that optimize spacecraft performance. This course provides a valuable foundation for individuals pursuing a career in propulsion engineering.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design, develop, and build mechanical systems, including those used in spacecraft. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft delves into the kinematics of rigid bodies, covering topics such as attitude determination and control. Mechanical engineers working in the aerospace industry can leverage this knowledge to design spacecraft components and systems that ensure accurate and stable motion. By understanding the kinematics of spacecraft, mechanical engineers can contribute to the development of innovative spacecraft technologies and missions.

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Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists explore the universe's physical properties, including the behavior, physical properties, and dynamic processes of celestial objects and astrophysical phenomena. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft provides a foundational understanding of the kinematics of celestial bodies, a field directly applicable to astrophysics. By learning to describe and predict the motion of spacecraft, students can gain valuable insights into the movement of stars, planets, and other celestial objects, which is crucial for astrophysical research.

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Systems Engineer

Systems engineers integrate complex systems, including spacecraft, aircraft, and other large-scale systems. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft provides a solid foundation in kinematics, including the study of rigid body motion and attitude determination. Systems engineers can apply this knowledge to model, analyze, and design complex systems, ensuring their functionality, safety, and performance. This course may be useful for individuals interested in pursuing a career in systems engineering, particularly in the aerospace domain.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use advanced analytical techniques to solve complex problems in various industries, including aerospace. This course in Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft provides a foundation in kinematics, including the study of rigid body motion and attitude determination. Operations research analysts can apply this knowledge to model and analyze spacecraft trajectories, optimize mission planning, and develop strategies for efficient and safe space operations. This course may be useful for individuals interested in applying operations research techniques to the aerospace domain.

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