MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Astrodynamics

Course: ECE285

First Term: 2025 Fall

Lecture 4.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T - Lab Load

Description: Introduction to celestial mechanics and the dynamics of spacecraft navigation. Introduction to rocket propulsion and spacecraft design. Orbital and interplanetary celestial mechanics and maneuvers. Astrophysics and characteristics of the space environment. Lab is project-based, utilizing a real-time spacecraft simulation environment.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Relate the characteristics of the space environment to manned and unmanned space missions. (I, III, IV) 2. Utilize the fundamentals of rocket propulsion to select rocket engines capable of performing selected space missions. (II, III, VII) 3. Apply the basics of rigid body rotation for spacecraft attitude control. (II, IV) 4. Design spacecraft orbital maneuvers such as Hohmann transfers, plane changes, and interplanetary escape and capture. (II, V, VI, IX, X) 5. Determine the orbit of a spacecraft from observations. (II, VIII) 6. Demonstrate critical thinking in the design and planning of orbital and interplanetary missions. (III, VII, IX, X) 7. Demonstrate critical thinking in applying physical and astrophysical principles to unexpected events during space operations. (III, VII, IX, X) 8. Demonstrate effective and convincing written communication skills in presenting proposed solutions and designs. (III, VII, IX, X)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. The space environment A. The solar cycle B. Atmospheric properties and composition C. Ionosphere, geomagnetic field, and Van Allen belts D. Effect of radiation on biological systems II. Review of dynamics A. Kepler`s laws B. Newton`s laws C. Newton`s Law of Gravitation III. Rockets and space vehicles A. The rocket equation B. Rocket performance numbers C. Atmospheric drag D. Staging E. Launch and orbital insertion maneuvers IV. Spacecraft attitude dynamics and control A. Kinematics of rigid rotating bodies B. Gravity-gradient stabilization C. Thrusters for attitude control D. Reaction wheels for attitude control V. Two-body orbital mechanics A. The n-body problem B. The two-body problem C. Constants of the motion D. The trajectory equation E. Energy and angular momentum of orbits F. Orbit classification G. Canonical units VI. Basic orbital maneuvers A. Low altitude planetary orbits B. High altitude planetary orbits C. In-plane orbit changes D. Out-of-plane orbit changes E. Hyperbolic and escape orbits VII. Interlude: Real-world spacecraft piloting and mission control A. Flying and spacecraft B. Mission control roles, responsibilities, and tasks C. Communication discipline during space missions VIII. Time of flight and orbit determination A. Time of flight and eccentric anomaly B. The Kepler problem C. Tracking and orbit determination IX. Lunar trajectories A. The Earth-Moon system B. Simple Earth-Moon trajectories C. The patched conic approximation D. Non-coplanar lunar trajectories X. Interplanetary trajectories A. The Solar System B. The patched conic approximation C. Non-coplanar interplanetary trajectories

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: May 17, 2016

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.