Physics of Space Systems I - 615.744

This is the first course in a two-course series (second course is 615.745) where students learn the fundamentals of designing space systems. The focus is on the underlying physics of major spacecraft subsystems, orbits, and launch vehicles. In this first course, topics include an overview of space systems engineering, the space environment, astrodynamics, space communications, orbit determination, propulsion, and spacecraft attitude determination and control. Concepts are introduced through lectures and then reinforced through homework assignments that include modeling, simulation, and analysis using MATLAB.Prerequisites: College courses in physics, calculus, and linear algebra.