Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics from Coursera

Spacecraft relative motion control has many applications including rendezvous and docking, circumnavigation, on orbit assembly, servicing, etc. The course Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics covers the fundamentals of describing the motion of one spacecraft as seen by another spacecraft. A range of relative coordinates are investigated. Further, the course covers developing the differential equations of motion of the relative motion and considers a range of assumptions on separation distances. Finally, the impact of the J2 perturbation on the relative motion is studied.

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

* Describe relative motion using rectilinear or curvilinear Hill frame coordinates, using relative orbit elements, as well as using differential orbit elements.

* Develop the differential equations of relative motion for both near circular and highly elliptical chief motions

* Predict the impact of perturbations on the relative motion

* Understand how to setup relative orbits that remain bounded to the chief.

Please note: this is an advanced course, best suited for working engineers or students with college-level knowledge in mathematics and physics.

What's inside

Syllabus

Revisiting Basics of Keplerian Motion

This week is a review of the fundamentals of un-perturbed Keplerian motion of a spacecraft. The material is taught at a fast pace assuming the learner has seen this matrial before.

Variation of Parameters

This week you will learn the mathematics to derivate the variational equations of parameters that are invariants of the unperturbed problem.

Spacecraft Formation Flying

This week you will explore the kinematics and kinetics of spacecraft relative motion.

Bounded Relative Motion

In this final week, you will determine the naturally occurring relative orbit solutions for circular chief, eccentric chief and if J2 perturbations are present.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Requires knowledge in advanced mathematics and physics; pertinent to working engineers and college students

Taught by Hanspeter Schaub, a recognized expert

Covers kinematics and kinetics, providing a solid foundation

Prerequisite knowledge is advised, potentially slowing progress

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics with these activities:

Review Newtonian Mechanics

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Reinforce your understanding of Newtonian mechanics, which is essential for this course.

Browse courses on Newtonian Mechanics

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Go through lecture notes on Newtonian mechanics
Solve practice problems from a textbook

Practice Solving Orbital Mechanics Problems

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Improve your problem-solving skills in orbital mechanics, which is a core topic in this course.

Browse courses on Orbital Mechanics

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks
Solve the problems and check your answers

Discuss the Course Material with Peers

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Engage with peers to discuss course material, clarify concepts, and enhance your understanding.

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Find a study partner or group
Schedule regular meetings or discussions
Discuss and collaborate on course material

Three other activities

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Follow Tutorials on Differential Equations of Motion

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Expand your knowledge of the differential equations governing spacecraft relative motion by following guided tutorials.

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Find tutorials on the differential equations of motion
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises

Write a Summary of the J2 Perturbation Effect

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Enhance your understanding of the J2 perturbation by writing a summary of its effects on spacecraft relative motion.

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Research the J2 perturbation and its impact on spacecraft
Organize your findings into a written summary

Contribute to an Open-Source Spacecraft Simulator

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Deepen your understanding of spacecraft relative motion by contributing to an open-source simulator.

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Find an open-source spacecraft simulator project
Identify an area to contribute, such as adding a new feature or improving existing code
Make your contributions to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers utilize their advanced knowledge of mathematics and physics to design, develop, and test various spacecraft, including the ones used for space exploration and satellite communications. Those wishing to become an Aerospace Engineer may find the concepts and problem-solving techniques introduced in Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics to be very useful, especially for understanding the motion of spacecraft during maneuvers like docking and rendezvous.

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Mission Specialist

Mission Specialists are responsible for the operation and maintenance of spacecraft during space missions. They require a strong understanding of orbital mechanics and space vehicle dynamics to ensure the success of their missions. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder provides valuable knowledge about the relative motion of spacecraft, which could be crucial for Mission Specialists in executing maneuvers and maintaining the desired spacecraft formations.

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Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Spacecraft Systems Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and integration of spacecraft systems, including propulsion, communications, and navigation. They require knowledge of spacecraft dynamics and control to ensure the successful operation of the spacecraft. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course provides relevant concepts, especially in the area of relative spacecraft motion, which directly relates to spacecraft systems engineering.

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Astronaut

Astronauts are responsible for operating and maintaining spacecraft, conducting spacewalks, and performing scientific experiments in space. They need a deep understanding of orbital mechanics and space vehicle dynamics. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course offers valuable knowledge about spacecraft motion, particularly the relative motion between spacecraft, which is crucial for astronauts during rendezvous and docking procedures.

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Spacecraft Operator

Spacecraft Operators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of spacecraft, including monitoring systems, executing maneuvers, and troubleshooting any issues. They require a strong grasp of orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide a solid foundation in these areas, helping Spacecraft Operators understand and control the motion of spacecraft.

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Satellite Communications Engineer

Satellite Communications Engineers design, develop, and maintain satellite communication systems for various applications, including telecommunications, navigation, and remote sensing. They must understand orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics to ensure the effective operation of satellite communication systems. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide valuable knowledge about the motion of spacecraft, particularly the relative motion of satellites, which is important for maintaining satellite communication links.

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Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineers design, develop, and test propulsion systems for spacecraft. They require a deep understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics to optimize the performance of propulsion systems. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide valuable knowledge about the motion of spacecraft, especially the effects of propulsion maneuvers on spacecraft dynamics.

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Orbital Analyst

Orbital Analysts determine the orbits of spacecraft and predict their future positions. They use orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics to analyze and interpret data from tracking systems. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide valuable knowledge about the motion of spacecraft, particularly the relative motion between spacecraft, which is important for orbital analysts in understanding and predicting the behavior of spacecraft in orbit.

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Space Surveillance Analyst

Space Surveillance Analysts track and monitor objects in space, including satellites, debris, and asteroids. They use orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics to determine the trajectories and potential risks of these objects. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide valuable knowledge about the motion of spacecraft, particularly the relative motion between spacecraft and other objects in space, which is important for space surveillance analysts in assessing potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.

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Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists study the physical properties and behavior of celestial objects, such as stars, galaxies, and planets. They use orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics to model and understand the motions of these objects. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide valuable knowledge about the motion of spacecraft, particularly the effects of gravitational forces on spacecraft dynamics, which is important for astrophysicists in understanding the dynamics of celestial objects.

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Cosmochemist

Cosmochemists study the chemical composition and origin of matter in the universe, including meteorites, asteroids, and planets. They use orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics to determine the trajectories and potential sources of these objects. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide valuable knowledge about the motion of spacecraft, particularly the effects of gravitational forces on spacecraft dynamics, which is important for cosmochemists in understanding the delivery of extraterrestrial materials to Earth.

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Planetary Scientist

Planetary Scientists study the physical and chemical properties of planets, moons, and other objects in our solar system. They use orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics to design and execute missions to explore these objects. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide valuable knowledge about the motion of spacecraft, particularly the effects of gravitational forces on spacecraft dynamics, which is important for planetary scientists in understanding the dynamics of planetary systems.

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Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the physical properties and processes of the Earth, including its atmosphere, oceans, and interior. They use orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics to analyze data from satellites and other spacecraft to understand the Earth's system. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide valuable knowledge about the motion of spacecraft, particularly the effects of gravitational forces on spacecraft dynamics, which is important for geophysicists in understanding the dynamics of the Earth's system.

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Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the physical and chemical properties of the ocean, including its currents, waves, and tides. They use orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics to analyze data from satellites and other spacecraft to understand the ocean's dynamics. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide valuable knowledge about the motion of spacecraft, particularly the effects of gravitational forces on spacecraft dynamics, which is important for oceanographers in understanding the dynamics of the ocean.

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Atmospheric Scientist

Atmospheric Scientists study the physical and chemical properties of the atmosphere, including its composition, temperature, and circulation. They use orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics to analyze data from satellites and other spacecraft to understand the atmosphere's dynamics. The Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics course can provide valuable knowledge about the motion of spacecraft, particularly the effects of gravitational forces on spacecraft dynamics, which is important for atmospheric scientists in understanding the dynamics of the atmosphere.

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