This course covers methods and current technologies in the analysis, synthesis, and practice of aerospace guidance, navigation, and communications systems. Topics covered include: attitude- and position kinematics, inertial navigation systems, global satellite navigation systems, communication architectures for satellite navigation, satellite link performance parameters and design considerations, tropospheric and ionospheric effects on radio-wave propagation, least squares estimation, and the Kalman filter.

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. 

The course covers the natural dynamics of objects under gravity, including orbits in the two-body problem and the three-body problem. Fundamental techniques for astrodynamics cover Lagrange functions, Lambert’s theorem, and patched conics. Application in trajectory design include orbital maneuvers/transfer and interplanetary orbits. Mission design software will be used to model orbit and trajectory.

Saturn’s moon Titan is a prime target for exploration due to its dense nitrogen-rich atmosphere and carbon-containing molecules, suggesting possible life. Beyond Cassini/Huygens, exploration has been minimal, but NASA’s Dragonfly mission (2028) will study Titan’s surface. The proposed mission aims to return 30 samples from Selk Crater. Utilizing NASA’s ISRU concept for return propellant, key considerations included trajectory, communication, ADCS, EDL, sample collection, and power. A planned 2051 launch with gravity assists leads to a 19-year total mission length. On the surface, a quadcopter will collect samples, and an ISRU plant will produce fuel for return. Thermal isolation and liquid oxygen will maintain sample integrity of the samples during the return to Earth.

This paper discusses a conceptual mission to Venus which utilizes the Lofted Environmental and Atmospheric Venus Sensors (LEAVES) to investigate the sulfur cycle and the unknown compound that absorbs near-ultraviolet light in the atmosphere. The mission uses two separate spacecraft coupled at launch, an autonomous bus, Demeter, carrying 144 LEAVES probes and a communications orbiter, Persephone, to relay data from the LEAVES to Earth. The LEAVES are estimated to be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3, while the spacecraft consists of parts at TRL 9. The unique launch mechanism for the LEAVES is at a TRL of 1-2, and the mission meets the Concept Maturity Level (CML) requirements for a CML 4 classification.