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This course introduces the fundamentals of orbital mechanics, beginning with the two‑body problem, Kepler’s laws, and the classical orbital elements used to describe and characterize spacecraft motion. Students examine orbit determination methods, energy and time‑of‑flight relationships, and common orbital maneuvers and transfers. Additional topics include the patched‑conic approximation for interplanetary trajectories and extensions to three‑body and multi‑body problems. The course provides a strong analytical foundation for understanding and designing spacecraft orbits.

College/Department: College of Engineering and Computing/Mechanical Engr Mechanics
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MEM 2510 [Min Grade: D] or MEM 238 [Min Grade: D]