Course

Spacecraft Dynamics and Control

University of Colorado Boulder

Embark on a journey to master the theories and concepts of Spacecraft Dynamics and Control. This specialization covers three core topics, including the description of motion and rates of motion of rigid bodies, equations of motion for predicting movement, and non-linear controls for precise aiming in three-dimensional space.

Throughout the program, learners will develop competency in kinematics, kinetics, and control through targeted content delivery, continuous concept reinforcement, and project applications. The course culminates in a Spacecraft Dynamics Capstone focused on a Mars Mission, where participants will apply their knowledge to create a mission-related orbit simulation and evaluate control performance.

  • Develop competency in kinematics, kinetics, and control
  • Explore three-dimensional orientation description and dynamical rotation models
  • Master the application of Lyapunov theory for stability and convergence analysis
  • Participate in a Spacecraft Dynamics Capstone focused on a Mars Mission

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Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
Course Modules

The course modules cover topics such as kinematics, kinetics, and nonlinear control, culminating in a Spacecraft Dynamics Capstone focused on a Mars Mission.

Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft

Embark on a journey to master the theories and concepts of Spacecraft Dynamics and Control. The Kinematics module delves into describing the motions of spacecraft, differentiation of vectors, and solving kinematic particle problems.

Kinetics: Studying Spacecraft Motion

The Kinetics module focuses on studying spacecraft motion, including the derivation of rotational equations of motion, prediction of torque-free motion equilibria, and the application of static stability conditions.

Control of Nonlinear Spacecraft Attitude Motion

In the Control of Nonlinear Spacecraft Attitude Motion module, participants differentiate between a range of nonlinear stability concepts, apply Lyapunov’s direct method for stability and convergence analysis, and develop attitude error measures using Lyapunov theory.

Spacecraft Dynamics Capstone: Mars Mission

The Spacecraft Dynamics Capstone: Mars Mission module is the culmination of the course, where learners apply three-dimensional kinematics to create a mission-related orbit simulation, evaluate orbit frame orientation, and numerically simulate spacecraft attitude dynamics.

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