Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Schedule - Spring Semester 2027
Meeting location information can now be found on student schedules in ESTHER (for students) or on the Course Roster in ESTHER (for faculty and instructors).Additional information available here.
Meeting location information can now be found on student schedules in ESTHER (for students) or on the Course Roster in ESTHER (for faculty and instructors).Additional information available here.
MECH 578 001 (CRN: 21464)
ORBITAL MECHANICS AND MISSION
Long Title: ORBITAL MECHANICS AND MISSION DESIGN
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Instructor: Yavas, Denizhan
Meeting: 9:00AM - 11:50AM F (11-JAN-2027 - 23-APR-2027)
Part of Term: Full Term
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Method of Instruction: Face to Face
Credit Hours: 3
Course Syllabus:
Course Materials: Rice Campus Store
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisites: MECH 343
Section Max Enrollment: 25
Section Enrolled: 0
Enrollment data as of: 2-NOV-2026 3:19PM
Final Exam: GR Course-Dept Schedules Exam
Description: Develop an understanding of orbital mechanics. Obtain a detailed knowledge of the two-body problem and its solutions with applications to geocentric orbits and interplanetary transfers. Understand the concept of impulsive thrusting and its use in orbital transfers including plane changes. Obtain a knowledge of time-of-flight relations on two-body trajectories, using both classical and universal variables.