Astrodynamics – Study Materials

Textbook
"Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students", 4th Edition by Curtis

Based On

MAE 5560 MAE 5560 – Dynamics of Space Flight

Format

  • The exam consists of about 20 problems.
  • A passing score is at least 80%.
  • The exam is paper and pencil only.
  • No calculators, phones, watches, or other devices are allowed.
  • See the GPC for a formula sheet if you need it before the exam. Otherwise, it will be provided with the exam.
  • The exam contains a mix of conceptual, derivation, and calculation problems. Most of the problems can be solved in 3-5 steps. In my experience, it is common to see students filling the page with calculations when only a few lines are needed. For the most part, the exam is symbolic. Any time numbers are given, the numbers are chosen to simplify your calculations. If you find yourself filling a page with calculations, pause and think about whether such calculations are essential to answering the problem.
  • The qualifying exam format and style are similar to the exams given in MAE 5560.

Relevant chapters and sections

  • Chapter 1, all sections.
  • Chapter 2, sections 2.1-2.11.
  • Chapter 3, sections 3.1-3.6.
  • Chapter 4, all sections.
  • Chapter 6, sections 6.1-6.9.
  • Chapter 8, sections 8.1-8.9.

Advice

  • Because the exam has a time limit and computers are not allowed, problems are limited to those that can be solved analytically with a paper and pencil.
  • I recommend that you study the selected chapters and sections paying close attention to derivations, examples, and end-of-chapter exercises that are of an analytical nature. Examples of such analytical items include:
    • Derivation of the two-body equation of relative motion in Eq. (2.22).
    • Proof that the specific relative angular momentum is constant in section 2.4.
    • Derivation of the right ascension in Eq. (4.9) given Fig. 4.7.
  • Examples of items that are not sufficiently analytical include:
    • Numerical solution of Kepler’s equation.
    • Solution of Example 4.3.
    • Solution of Example 6.4.
  • There are of course many more examples from each category. Use judgement as you study and focus on concepts and analytical results.