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0542-4527

Satellite orbital mechanics

Also listed as: מכניקת המסלולים של לוויינים

Astrodynamics from the two-body problem to rendezvous and interplanetary transfer. The mathematical half of the space track, and the part that transfers straight to guidance work.

Semester
Semester B
Weekly hours
4h
Counts as
Department electives
Interest areas
Aeronautics and space

Comes after

  • Rigid body dynamics

Opens up

  • Astrodynamics and GNC research

What it covers

Orbits

  • Two-body problem, energy and angular momentum, conic orbits, orbital elements
  • Position against time, Kepler's equation, universal variables
  • Orbits in three dimensions, coordinate transforms, ground tracks
  • Perturbations: J2 oblateness, nodal regression, apsidal rotation, drag

Manoeuvres and relative motion

  • Orbit determination: Gibbs, Gauss, Lambert's problem
  • Manoeuvres: Hohmann, bi-elliptic, plane changes, phasing
  • Relative motion and rendezvous, Clohessy–Wiltshire equations
  • Interplanetary trajectories, patched conics, gravity assists
  • Introduction to attitude dynamics

Results worth carrying out

  • Vis-viva

    v2=μ(2r−1a)v^2 = \mu\left(\frac{2}{r} - \frac{1}{a}\right)

  • Kepler's equation

    M=E−esin⁡EM = E - e\sin E

  • J2 nodal regression

    Ω˙=−32J2(Rep)2ncos⁡i\dot{\Omega} = -\frac{3}{2} J_2 \left(\frac{R_e}{p}\right)^{2} n \cos i

  • Clohessy–Wiltshire, in-plane

    x¨−3n2x−2ny˙=0,y¨+2nx˙=0\ddot{x} - 3n^2 x - 2n\dot{y} = 0, \qquad \ddot{y} + 2n\dot{x} = 0

Figures worth knowing

  • Conic-orbit geometry
  • Ground-track plots
  • Hohmann transfer diagram
  • Porkchop plots

Quick answers

When is Satellite orbital mechanics taught?

Satellite orbital mechanics (0542-4527) is taught in Semester B (spring), 4 weekly hours. It counts toward “Department electives” in the Tel Aviv University Mechanical Engineering elective requirements.

What do I need before 0542-4527?

Before Satellite orbital mechanics you need: Rigid body dynamics.

What software is used in Satellite orbital mechanics?

Satellite orbital mechanics is normally taught with STK, GMAT, MATLAB, Python (poliastro).

Which jobs does Satellite orbital mechanics prepare you for?

Satellite orbital mechanics is part of the preparation for these roles: Control and GNC engineer, Space systems engineer.

Which interest areas include Satellite orbital mechanics?

Satellite orbital mechanics sits in these interest areas: Aeronautics and space.

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The topic outlines are not official syllabi. The university publishes a catalogue blurb per course, not lecture-by-lecture material, so each outline describes what a course of that name, at those hours, with those prerequisites teaches at engineering schools generally, cross-checked against the standard textbook for the subject. Treat it as an informed map, not as a transcript of the lectures.