Learning outcomes

The course offers students to concepts and computational techniques of astrodynamics with an emphasis in describing methods to study resident space objects’ (RSOs) motion (artificial satellites, space debris) on long time scale (decades, centuries), starting from low-Earth orbits up to beyond the geostationnary region. Students will be exposed to a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge of astrodynamics theory and space situational awareness.  

 

Content

Starting with a general presentation of the near-Earth space environment, we will then recall key concepts of the two-body problem. The various forces acting on RSOs will be introduced and discussed, starting from low-Earth orbits, and moving up to beyond the geosynchronous belt. Considering therefore perturbed two body problems, we will present Gauss and Lagrange planetary equations.  By using averaging technique, we discuss secular models relevant to study their long-term dynamics and detail several chaos indicators useful for distinguishing regular from chaotic trajectories. 

 

Assessment method

The final grade is based on the preparation and presentation of a project.

Language of instruction

Français