Space Flight Dynamics And Control

Host University

ODU

Semester

Spring 2026

Course Number

MAE 745 CRN 33020

Credits

3

Discipline

Mechanical/Aerospace Engr

Instructor

Newman, Brett (BNEWMAN@ODU.EDU)

Times and Days

03:00 PM - 04:15 PM

M, W

Course Information

Principles governing the dynamics and control of vehicles in space flight. Equations of motion development and solution including inertial/gravitational/aerodynamic/propulsive loads, decoupled translational and attitude motions. Ortibal mechanics including elements, initial-value propagation, adjustments/transfers, Lambert boundary-value problem, perturbations, and nonlinear simulation. Attitude dynamics including torque free, gravity moment, axisymmetric/unsymmetric vehicles, and dual spinners. Flight control system design and analysis including impulsive velocities, finite burns, Lambert targeting, linear designusing momentum wheels, and nonlinear phase-plane design using thrusters.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: MAE 604 and MAE 640.