Published

May 5, 2025

( These notes have been authored with collaboration with Suyog Soman (AFM MTech 2023 batch). )

Syllabus

Dynamics of Particles: reference frames and rotations – energy, angular momentum.

Two Body Motion: equations of motion – Kepler laws – solution to two-body problem – conics and relations – vis-viva equation – Kepler equation – orbital elements – orbit determination – Lambert problem – satellite tracking – different methods of solution to Lambert problem.

Non-Keplerian Motion: perturbing acceleration – earth aspherical potential – oblateness – third body effects – atmospheric drag effects – application of perturbations.

Orbit Maneuvers: Hohmann transfer – inclination change maneuvers, combined maneuvers, bielliptic maneuvers.

Lunar/ Interplanetary Trajectories: sphere of influence – methods of trajectory design – restricted three body problem – Lagrangian points.

References

  1. Curtis, H. D. (2013). Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

  2. Vallado, D. A. (2007). Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications. New York: Springer.

  3. Wiesel, W. E. (1997). Spaceflight Dynamics. New York: McGraw-Hill.

  4. Bate, R. R., Mueller, D. D., & White, J. E. (1971). Fundamentals of Astrodynamics. New York: Dover Publications.

  5. Prussing, J. E., & Conway, B. A. (1993). Orbital Mechanics. New York: Oxford University Press.

  6. Battin, R. H. (1999). An Introduction to the Mathematics and Methods of Astrodynamics. Reston: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

  7. Chobotov, V. A. (2002). Orbital Mechanics. Reston: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Lecture Notes

  • Two Body Motion (in Earth Centered Inertial Frame)

  • Three Body Motion (in Earth Centered Inertial Frame)

  • Lagrangian Points

  • Lambert Problem

  • Orbit Determination

  • Satellite Tracking

  • Orbit Maneuvers

  • Hohmann Transfer

  • Lunar Trajectories

  • Interplanetary Trajectories

Solved Problems

  • Reference Frames and Rotations