Attitude and Orbit Control Systems

Module code: EG4323

This module introduces you to the principles of spacecraft attitude and orbit control systems (AOCS), combining orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics with practical system design and simulation using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink. You will study Keplerian orbital motion, orbit propagation, and mission design for applications such as Earth observation and Sun-synchronous orbits, alongside key concepts in spacecraft control including orbital manoeuvring and perturbations. The module also develops understanding of spacecraft attitude dynamics and control, including Euler’s equations, reference frames, attitude representations (including quaternions), and the modelling of sensors and actuators under realistic operational constraints such as saturation and disturbance torques. You will apply these principles to the design and analysis of control strategies for tasks such as detumbling, momentum management, and three-axis attitude control, developing the ability to model, simulate, and evaluate AOCS performance for real spacecraft applications.