This MQP is devoted in the development of in-class computer demonstrations that complement the Astronautics course (ME 2713) at WPI and will aid the understanding of spacecraft trajectory analysis and mission design by the students. In-class demonstrations utilized the Satellite Tool Kit (STK), an advanced program used by the aerospace industry and organizations for mission design and analysis. In-class STK demonstrations developed include geocentric orbits and orbit shaping, following the material covered in the ME 2713 class. In addition, advanced in-class STK demonstrations were developed using the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) and Solar Probe missions. These examples illustrate complex applications of the software that include Hohman transfers, orbit shapings and gravity assists. Finally, this MQP developed preliminary communication tools for future utilization of STK over a network in the Discovery Classroom, a multimedia classroom at WPI with docking ports for laptop computers on the desks.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Beegle, Heather Lyn
• Shah, Rakesh S.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 99D236M

Advisor

• Gatsonis, Nikolaos A.

Year

• 1999

Sponsor

• NASA Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium

Date created

• 1999-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright