AE 2320: Introduction to Orbital Mechanics
Course Syllabus, 2025 C-Term
1. Class and Instruction
Day of Week Time Location
Lecture M-F 9:00 – 9:50 AM SL 115
Lab/Help Sessions Thursday 2–5 pm HL 230
Instructor: Professor Y. Lu, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering | HL250
Graduate TA / PLAs: Linh Phi, Catalina Mudgett and Mary Laurens
Do not email instructor/TA/PLA about assignment/course questions. See Contact Policy below
2. Contact Policy
Canvas is your go-to place for all course materials, lectures, notes, assignments, and grades.
Questions on course content:
(1) come to help sessions, refer to Canvas Syllabus page for schedules.
(2) post questions on Canvas Discussion dedicated to the topic & assignments.
Questions regarding grading: Email the instructor ONLY, do NOT contact TA/PLA for grading questions.
Any questions relating to personal situations, email the instructor, with email subject starting: “[AE 2320] ......”
3. Course Information
Course Materials
Textbook: Curtis, Howard D., Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students, Revised 4th Ed. Elsevier, 2021.
(Revised edition from 2021 is recommended. There are many typos in the original 4th edition released in 2020)
Instructor’s lecture notes are supplemental and do NOT replace the textbook.
Course Description
An introductory course that covers the fundamentals of space flight. Topics studied include: two-body orbital
dynamics, classification of orbits, and time of flight analysis; geocentric orbits and impulsive maneuvers: orbit
shaping, escape trajectories, Hohmann and non-Hohmann transfers; orbital elements in 3D; interplanetary
Hohmann and generalized transfers, intercepts, flybys.
Recommended Background
A background in multivariable calculus (MA 1024 or equivalent), differential equations (MA 2051 or
equivalent), dynamics (ES 2503, PH 2201 or equivalent).
Course Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Apply the rocket equation to evaluate the mass sizing of rockets,
2. Apply the constants of two-body motion and the equation of the conic section, classify and analyze
spacecraft orbits using Keplerian orbital elements,
3. Analyze time-of-flight for elliptical and hyperbolic orbits,
4. Analyze and calculate impulsive maneuvers for orbital transfers,
5. Analyze interplanetary transfers, intercepts, and flybys,
6. Develop MATLAB proficiency.
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4. Assessments and Grading Policy
Homework Policies
Homework is one of the best ways to learn and test yourself on the course material. You are encouraged to
discuss homework problems with your classmates. However, anything you submit must be your own work!
Please review WPI’s Academic Honesty Policy and the Student Guide to Academic Integrity.
Homework is due by midnight on the specified due dates on Canvas
Late Submissions
Late submissions within 12 hours of the deadline are accepted without penalty. Submissions beyond 12 hours
will be graded with the expectation that Token will be deducted if the grade is to be counted.
Exceptions: For illness, emergencies, or any unique circumstances, email the instructor as soon as possible.
Token Policy
Everyone will have five (5) Tokens, and each Token can be used for one of the following. To use the Token,
please make an “assignment” submission on Canvas for Token #X.
1. 1 Token for resubmission of one homework assignment
2. 1 Token for a cumulative 48-hr extension (can be used for multiple assignments beyond 12-hr grace
period, must be described under Token on Canvas)
To use the Tokens, go to Canvas Assignment “Token Use Submissions”
Resubmissions Policy and Guidelines
All resubmissions should be accompanied by a brief explanation of your approach and your solution in
the issues from the previous submission. Resubmission without such an explanation will be deemed
invalid. Example explanation: discussed with the TA/instructor on XXX-XX day, found out that XX
equation/formulation was wrong because xxx. The correct equation/approach/formulation should be xxx.
• All submissions and resubmissions must be done within 10 calendar days of the original deadline or before
the end of C-term, March-7, whichever is earlier.
• Resubmission is NOT accepted for missing submissions as resubmission cannot be used as an extension.
ChatGPT / AI Policy
You are free to use anything that helps you learn, but you have to understand the limitation of these text-based
AI tools, particularly AI hallucinations that will give you incorrect and sometimes stupid responses. They can
be good if you know exactly how they work and how to use them. Until then, use your best judgment and seek
more trustworthy sources for your questions!
Grading
A four-point grading scale will be used for each homework problem.
4 – Meets expectation, work meets expectation and shows thorough understanding of the concept
3 – Passing, work shows clear understanding of the major concept
2 – Progressing, work does not show clear understanding of the major concept
1 – Not Assessable, work is difficult to interpret, example: copy of MATLAB code without supporting
comments/documentations, output, etc.
0 – Missing submissions, resubmission is NOT accepted for missing submissions.
See the diagram below for an explanation of the grading and expectations.
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Does the work demonstrate
thorough understanding of
the concepts?
YES NO
Is the work complete
Is there evidence of
and well
partial understanding?
communicated?
YES NO YES NO
4 3 2 1
Meets Expectation Passing Progressing Not Assessable
The works meets or Understanding of the Partial understanding of Not enough information is
exceeds the expectations concepts is evident through the concepts is evident, but present in the work to
of the assignment. correct work and clear there are significant gaps determine whether there is
Communication is clear explanations. Some revision that remain. Needs further understanding of the
and complete. Mastery of of expansion is needed, but work, more review, and/or concepts. The work is
the concepts is evident. no significant gaps or errors improved explanations fragmentary or contains
There are no trivial are present. No additional significant omissions. Or,
errors. instruction on the concepts there are too many issues to
is needed justify correcting each one.
≥85% ≥65% <65% <30%
Grade Appeal
Grade Appeal should be directed to the instructor. If you believe there is a clear error in your grade, please
email the instructor immediately to raise an issue. No grade changes will be made beyond 72 hours of posting
on Canvas.
Grading Breakdown
C B A
MATLAB Complete ALL required MATLAB training modules
All Assignments Average ≥ 2.75 Average ≥ 3.40 Average ≥ 3.85
Canvas Quiz Do NOT count towards final grade
Exigent Circumstances on Final Grade
If a student is unable to submit all assignments before the end of the term due to exigent circumstances such as
illness or a family emergency, an incomplete I grade will be considered. In this situation, the student will first
receive a provisional I grade. After the end of the term, the student may submit incomplete assignments by a
certain due date. The instructor will grade the assignments (without late penalties), and convert the I grade to
an appropriate letter grade per the cutoffs stated above. The due date will be determined on a case-by-case
basis.
The I grade is intended as an accommodation for exigent circumstances such as illnesses or family
emergencies, only. Should the need arise, students may contact the instructor to discuss this accommodation.
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5. Course Policies
Attendance
The instructor will not take attendance; however, you are highly encouraged to attend every class. Assignments
and exams may require knowledge of ANY material presented in class. If you must miss a class, you are
responsible for all covered lecture material, assignments, and announcements.
When conflicts or absences can be anticipated, such as for many University-sponsored activities and religious
observations, the student should inform the instructor of the situation as far in advance as possible. Ultimately
students are responsible for all required coursework and bear full responsibility for any academic consequences
that may result due to absence.
Accessibility Statement
Students with approved academic accommodations should plan to submit their accommodation letters through
the Office of Accessibility Services Student Portal. Should you have any questions about how accommodations
can be implemented in this course, please contact me as soon as possible. Students who are not currently
registered with the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) but who would like to find out more information
regarding requesting accommodations and what that entails should plan to contact them via email:
[email protected] and/or via phone: (508) 831-4908.
Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
The instructor is committed to creating a safe, accommodating, and inclusive learning environment for all
students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, or religion. Discrimination or harassment of any kind
will not be tolerated. All students are respected members of this community. If you ever feel otherwise, please
feel free to reach out to the instructor to voice your concerns.
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