Special Topics in Astrodynamics

The course treats a selected set of advanced topics in astrodynamics; the exact topics change from year to year depending on the latest research developments and the instructors involved.

Strictly as examples, the following topics were covered in previous years:

• Circular restricted three-body problem and the Hill problem (equilibrium points, their stability and manifolds, and periodic orbits around the equilibrium points, their stability and manifolds)

• Solar-radiation-pressure perturbed orbital dynamics, i.e., dynamics of a solar-sail propelled spacecraft or dust particle (e.g., acceleration models and artificial equilibrium points in the circular restricted three-body problem)

• Machine learning applied to astrodynamics

Assignment

• The assignment is phrased in the form of a mock research proposal, with clearly defined research questions, work packages, and tasks to guide you through the research.

• The assignment heavily relies on simulation; tasks may include coding the spacecraft dynamics and the numerical propagation thereof as well as coding a range of mission-analysis problems.

• The assignment will also include a range of research-related tasks (e.g., verification of your code).

Additional details, specific to this year's assignment will be available during the first workshop and on the course website (Brightspace).