Satellite Orbits

Code:

EEG242

Acronym:

EEG242

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Speciality Sciences

Instance: 2016/2017 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	First Degree in Engineering Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:CE	0	PE2007- Perfil Engenharia Geográfica	2	-	7,5	-

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

 

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to orbital mechanics for undergraduate students.

It is aimed to teach the basics of the orbits of remote sensing satellites: the main forces acting on an Earth satellites and the type of orbits (e.g. geostationary and heliocentric orbits).

 

One of the main goals of this course is learning to implement numerical methods for orbit calculations.

Learning outcomes and competences

 

Students are expected to:

·          Acquire the basic principles concerning the orbits of remote sensing satellites and how these orbits are computed.

·          Be able to use numerical methods to solve simple problems of satellite orbit determination.

 

 

 

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Basic knowledge of calculus, as learned in previous years in courses such as "Análise Matemática" are necessary to follow the course

Program

Introduction to orbits used in remote sensing satellites.

Kepler’s and Newton’s Laws

Keplerian Movement.

Main forces acting on an Earth satellite. Gravitational and non-gravitational forces.

Perturbations of the motion of an  earth satellite.

Orbit determination; integration of the equations of motion.

 

Mandatory literature

Howard D. Curtis; Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students, ELSEVIER, 2010. ISBN: 978-1-85617-961-4
Robinson Ian S.; Measuring the oceans from space. ISBN: 3-540-42647-7 (Some notions about repetition orbit cycles in Earth Observation)

Teaching methods and learning activities

 

Power point presentations are used to introduce subjects in the theoretical classes. This is accompanied with algebraic deductions in the blackboard.
Practical lessons are based on "teach by example" method. A Project sheet is provided every week, and students are expected to solve the project with numerical tools in MATLAB. In some cases more elaborated scripts are necessary to solve problems, and students build programming skills along the duration of the course.

Type of evaluation: weekly projects to be delivered at the end of each class will replace the first exame. the second exam will be taken as usual.

Evaluation: an average will be made with the weeakly projects as an equivalent to the first exam, and the second exam will be considered otherwise.

Terms of frequency: theorectical classes are not mandatory, but attendance of practical classes is (only two non compliances are allowed). Working students are relieved of both classes. however, they should delivered the weekly projects in equal terms with the remaining students.

Software

Matlab

keywords

Physical sciences > Physics > Classical mechanics > Gravitation
Technological sciences > Technology > Remote sensing

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Trabalho laboratorial	100,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

Terms of frequency: theorectical classes are not mandatory, but attendance of practical classes is (only two non compliances are allowed). Working students are relieved of both classes. however, they should delivered the weekly projects in equal terms with the remaining students.

 The students might fail if they miss a number of practical classes that exceeds the number predicted in the University rules.

 

Calculation formula of final grade

Evaluation: an average will be made with the weeakly projects as an equivalent to the first exam, and the second exam will be considered otherwise.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Weekly projects will be made for evaluation purposes.

Classification improvement

In compliance with regulations.