This course is available with a live instructor
onsite or through a virtual platform.
COMING SOON: This course is also available
prerecorded, working at your own pace.
An Introduction to Astronautics
Course Description:
This course delivers the “big picture” of space missions from concept through operations. This 2 to 3 day course begins with background on using space. Why do we go to space? What types of missions are conducted? How are space missions organized, managed and operated? Attention then turns to basic orbital mechanics to understand opportunities and limitations imposed on missions by fundamental laws of physics. Geostationary, Sun-synchronous and other orbits, as well as interplanetary trajectories, maneuvering, re-entry and launch windows are also discussed. The final section of the course examines space systems including remote sensing and other payloads, human spaceflight challenges as well as an examination of key spacecraft subsystems including rockets and launch vehicles. Course exercises are used to reinforce key topics. Understanding Space is the ideal course for technical or non-technical professionals new to the space industry, those “cross-training” from other disciplines or anyone who needs a refresher on space fundamentals. This course is designed for engineers, scientists, or managers either new to the space field or who want to broaden their understanding of the big picture of space systems and operations.
At the end of this course you will be able to:
✦ Gain Core Space Knowledge
• Define and describe important astronautics terms and concepts
✦ Comprehend space mission Capabilities, Trade-offs and Limitations
• Explain how and why space is used to provide capabilities on Earth
✦ Apply Space Concepts to real-world problems
• Calculate basic orbit and system parameters that drive mission scope and cost
✦ Analyze Typical Space Problems
• Compare and contrast different technical approaches for space missions
✦ Synthesize concepts to Design a Space Mission
• Design a space mission given some basic goals and objectives, and develop a top-level project plan for it
✦ Evaluate basic technical and programmatic space issues
• Assess the technical merits of various space mission architectures
✦ Space in Our Lives
• Space in Our Lives
• Elements of a Space Mission
• A Brief History of Space
• The Space Enterprise
• Space Systems Engineering
• Mission Management, Space Operations
• Down to Earth Issues Exploring Space
✦ Orbits & Trajectories
• The Space Environment
• Understanding Orbits
• Describing & Using Orbits
• Orbit Design
• Orbit Maneuvering
• Ascent and Re-entry
✦ Space Systems
• Payload and Spacecraft Design
• Human Spaceflight
• Spacecraft Subsystems
• Rocket Science
• Launch Vehicles
Each participant will receive:
• A complete set of course notes with copies of all slides used in the presentations
• An e-copy of the Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics textbook (not included with online course)
Sample Handout
Course Textbook
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