Spacecraft Propulsion and Rendezvous

The course helps to grasp the principles of spacecraft propulsion technologies in different space regions, orbital mechanics to estimate the velocity change requirement for phase change, plane change and station keeping. It covers how to dock or berth to another spacecraft in space and interplanetary trajectories.It gives emphasis on understanding the concepts in a systematic manner and its application with worked examples of real time data. It helps to understand and analyze the specifications of spacecraft propulsion system like Dragon, Orion and Soyuz. Also, impart knowledge to estimate required propellant to meet a particular space mission.The course in detail covers major concepts spacecraft propulsion technologies. The working and characteristics of chemical propulsion systems, cold gas, mono and bi-propellant are explained and space missions used these systems are described. The principles and working of electrical propulsion systems like electrothermal, electrostatic, electromagnetic are described. The course explains the fluid flow and energy conversion pattern in electrical propulsion units. The concepts of advanced space propulsion systems like solar and nuclear are discussed. The interplanetary trajectories, departure, transfer and arrival are explained in detail. The advantage of planet’s gravity in adding the required velocity change in interplanetary travel of spacecraft is explained. It discusses NASA’s ARTEMIS program and major problems of human Mar’s mission.