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SD2816 Rocket Science 7.5 credits

Rocket Science

In this course you will learn about fundamental aspects of spaceflight dynamics. Two main topics are embraced: rocket dynamics and orbital mechanics, respectively. Emphasis is put on conceptual understanding of the fundamentals, but you will also face more challenging tasks in project work. The course also aims at improving some of your personal and interpersonal skills, such as your ability to learn in a team and to communicate results and conclusions effectively.

  • Educational level

    Second cycle

  • Academic level (A-D)

    D

  • Subject area

  • Grade scale

    A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Course offerings

Autumn 13 for programme students CANCELLED

  • Periods

    Autumn 13 P1 (7.5 credits)

  • Application code

    50653

  • Start date

    02/09/2013

  • End date

    2013 week: 44

  • Language of instruction

    English

  • Campus

    KTH Campus

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    Normal

  • Number of places *

    Max. 72

    *) If there are more applicants than number of places selection will be made.

  • Course responsible

    Dan Borglund

  • Teacher

    Dan Borglund <dodde@kth.se>

  • Target group

    Open for: TAEEM, TTEMM, TSUEM och TIPUM

    CDEPR, CFATE,CMAST,CMATD, CTFYS från årskurs 3

Autumn 13 for programme students CANCELLED

  • Periods

    Autumn 13 P1 (7.5 credits)

  • Application code

    50461

  • Start date

    02/09/2013

  • End date

    2013 week: 44

  • Language of instruction

    English

  • Campus

    KTH Campus

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    Normal

  • Number of places *

    Max. 72

    *) If there are more applicants than number of places selection will be made.

  • Course responsible

    Dan Borglund

  • Teacher

    Dan Borglund <dodde@kth.se>

  • Target group

    Only for students in Cooperation with Science without Borders

Learning outcomes

The overall objectives of the course are that you should be able to

  • derive and explain fundamentals of rocket propulsion, including the thrust equation, the specific impulse of a rocket engine, the rocket equation for burnout velocity and rocket staging,
  • formulate appropriate equations of motion of a rocket vehicle, and perform a preliminary trajectory analysis based on these,
  • derive and explain fundamentals of  orbital mechanics, including Newton's law of universal gravitation, the equations of motion for the two-body problem, and the properties that are conserved along their orbital orbital and trajectory solutions, and 
  • on a conceptual level, plan a geocentric or interplanetary space mission, including the determination of suitable trajectories, the number of stages required, and the approximate energy and mass budget.

Besides from the aims related to your knowledge and skills in rocket science, the course also aims at improving your ability to

  • work effectively in a culturally mixed group,
  • learn with and from other students,
  • approach and solve a complex engineering task,
  • present your results and conclusions effectively, and
  • review and give constructive feedback on work.

Course main content

In order to create a natural and creative learning environment, a peer learning approach is used in the course. You will therefore belong to a student team that meets on a regular basis to discuss around  various topics and to perform project work. You will treat topics like rocket propulsion and performance, two-body orbital mechanics, geocentric orbits and trajectories, and interplanetary transfers. The technical work in the course mainly consists of two project assignments – one on rocket dynamics and one on space mission planning, respectively.

Eligibility

The course is primarily intended for students in the Aerospace Engineering program (including exchange students). For as long as room is available, other students are also welcome to participate.

Literature

William E. Wiesel, Spaceflight Dynamics, 3rd ed., Aphelion Press, 2010.

The book can be purchased in KTH Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering's student expedition, 3rd floor, Teknikringen 8

Examination

  • PROA - Project, 4.5 credits, grade scale: P, F
  • TENA - Examination, 3.0 credits, grade scale: P, F

Requirements for final grade

Project assignment (PRO1; 3 university credits)
Project assignment (PRO2; 3 university credits)
Oral exam (TEN1; 1.5 university credits)

Offered by

SCI/Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering

Examiner

Dan Borglund, dodde@kth.se, tel. 070-346 42 41

Supplementary information

Replaced by SD2900.

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 11.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 12.