The Aerospace Corporation

Orbital Mechanics
PART 2 - WORKSHOP AND PROBLEM SOLVING

Precise determination of the trajectory that a spacecraft will follow on the way to its orbital destination is one of
the most critical aspects in designing any space mission. Success and probably feasibility of a mission, therefore,
are dependent on good design of its trajectory. This course, part 2 of 2, will provide a working understanding of
practical methods for solving orbital mechanics problems related to mission planning, design, and analysis of orbital
systems with emphasis on earth-orbiting satellites. Students will learn how to interpret orbital elements and how to
compute orbits from given initial data. A variety of analytical and numerical tools will be included, as well as class
exercises and hands-on practices.
Key Themes
● Solution of the two-body problem

● Analysis of orbits and orbit changes

● Methods of orbit prediction and determination

● Relative motion in orbit

● Approaches to lunar and interplanetary trajectories

● Applications of orbit perturbations

● Design and establishment of orbital systems

● Orbital coverage and collision hazards associated

The Aerospace Corporation
with space debris
2350 East El Segundo Boulevard
Who Should Attend
El Segundo, CA 90245-4691
● Systems and design engineers

● Systems engineering managers 310.336.5000

● Project personnel responsible for systems engineering www.aero.org/education/
and architecting
How You Will Benefit Contact
● Gain an understanding of the principles and developments
Call or write for information on
in orbital mechanics
● Learn practical methods for solving orbital mechanics
class schedules and pricing.
problems related to mission planning, design, and analysis 310.336.5504
of orbital systems InstituteCC@aero.org
● Become more familiar with current issues related to space debris

and other topics of interest

● Be able to work mathematical developments in orbital mechanics

Course Length
One day
Prerequisite
None
Course Materials
Student textbook containing course slides and supplementary material
Instructor
Dr. Vladimir Chobotov is a consultant in the Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies at The Aerospace
Corporation with more than 40 years of experience in orbital mechanics, including 30 years in academia. He is
editor of the book Orbital Mechanics, published by AIAA.