SYLLABUS

ME 471– Introduction to Astronautics

Fall 2018

Professor: George Rankin

Assignment Reading assignments will be discussed in Mondays’ class, with carry
Submission: over into Wednesday if necessary. Homework will be graded as
completed or not completed and will contribute toward the
homework portion of the grade.
Work Phone: 571.230.7013 (Phone msgs typically returned within 2-3 business
days) – email best option for contact
E-mail: grankin@gmu.edu
Office: Nguyen Engineering Building - Room 1854
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday by appointment
Course Astronautics is the study of space and its uses. This course will
Description: introduce the student to multiple aspects of space and space
sciences, such as orbital mechanics, satellite subsystems, space
systems engineering, launch, and re-entry. This course also evaluates
space programs and operations and their meaning for future
international and national economic and national security. The course
will provide an overview of major policy, program, scientific, and
technical issues in space.

Course Communicate effectively and clearly;

Outcomes: Develop an understanding of the space environment;
Develop an understanding of satellite orbits and maneuvering in space;
Develop an understanding of space vehicle operation, and space vehicle
subsystems;
Develop an understanding of space mission operations;

Course Hours: Monday and Wednesday from 4:30 PM– 5:45 PM Planetary Hall 120

Text: Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics, 3rd Ed (2005), Jerry

Jon Sellers, McGraw-Hill, ISBN-13:978-0-07-340775-3
Pre-requisite: ME 231 (Dynamics) or equivalent.

ME 471 – Introduction to Astronautics George Rankin Page 1

 Grades: Your grade in this course will be based upon class participation,
papers, exams, homework assignments, a mid-term and a final exam.
The final exam will primarily cover the second half of the semester,
though could include one or two especially significant questions from
the first half. The contribution of each of these to your final grade is
as follows:
Class Participation 15%
Mission Profile 20%
Exams (2 @ 10% ea) 20%
Mid-Term 20%
Final Exam 25%

Use of All problems in the course may be solved with the aid of any
Technology: calculator. However calculators used during any administering of any
assessment instruments, exams and quizzes, are limited to those
approved for use on the fundamentals of engineering exam, FE. The
NCEES calculator policy can be located at
http://ncees.org/exams/calculator-policy/.

Texting and emailing during lectures disrupt the learning

environment. Smartphones and cellphones should be turned off or,
at least placed, in silent mode during lectures. Smartphones and
cellphones must be turned off while in class during administering of
quizzes and exams. Laptops, ipads, surface pros and other similar
type devices are permitted during lectures. These are not permitted
for use during any administering of any assessment instruments.
Exchanging or sharing calculators during an examination is permitted.
You are not allowed to store any information into your calculator for
use on examinations.

Academic Integrity
GMU is an Honor Code university; please see the Office for Academic Integrity for a full
description of the code and the honor committee process. The principle of academic
integrity is taken very seriously and violations are treated gravely. What does academic
integrity mean in this course? Essentially this: when you are responsible for a task, you
will perform that task. When you rely on someone else’s work in an aspect of the
performance of that task, you will give full credit in the proper, accepted form. Another
aspect of academic integrity is the free play of ideas. Vigorous discussion and debate are
encouraged in this course, with the firm expectation that all aspects of the class will be
conducted with civility and respect for differing ideas, perspectives, and traditions. When
in doubt (of any kind) please ask for guidance and clarification.

ME 471 – Introduction to Astronautics George Rankin Page 2

Disabilities Statement
If you have a documented learning disability or other condition that may affect academic
performance you should: 1) make sure this documentation is on file with Office of
Disability Services (SUB I, Rm. 4205; 993-2474;http://ods.gmu.edu) to determine the
accommodations you need; and 2) talk with me to discuss your accommodation needs.

Mason Diversity Statement

George Mason University promotes a living and learning environment for outstanding
growth and productivity among its students, faculty and staff. Through its curriculum,
programs, policies, procedures, services and resources, Mason strives to maintain a
quality environment for work, study and personal growth.
An emphasis upon diversity and inclusion throughout the campus community is essential
to achieve these goals. Diversity is broadly defined to include such characteristics as, but
not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation.
Diversity also entails different viewpoints, philosophies, and perspectives. Attention to
these aspects of diversity will help promote a culture of inclusion and belonging, and an
environment where diverse opinions, backgrounds and practices have the opportunity to
be voiced, heard and respected.
The reflection of Mason’s commitment to diversity and inclusion goes beyond policies
and procedures to focus on behavior at the individual, group and organizational level. The
implementation of this commitment to diversity and inclusion is found in all settings,
including individual work units and groups, student organizations and groups, and
classroom settings; it is also found with the delivery of services and activities, including,
but not limited to, curriculum, teaching, events, advising, research, service, and
community outreach.
Acknowledging that the attainment of diversity and inclusion are dynamic and
continuous processes, and that the larger societal setting has an evolving socio-cultural
understanding of diversity and inclusion, Mason seeks to continuously improve its
environment. To this end, the University promotes continuous monitoring and self-
assessment regarding diversity. The aim is to incorporate diversity and inclusion within
the philosophies and actions of the individual, group and organization, and to make
improvements as needed.

Notice of mandatory reporting of sexual assault, interpersonal violence,

and stalking: As a faculty member, I am designated as a “Responsible Employee”, and
must report all disclosures of sexual assault, interpersonal violence and stalking to
Mason’s Title IX coordinator per University Policy 1202. If you wish to speak with
someone confidentially, please contact one of Mason’s confidential resources such as the
Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) at 703.380.1434 or Counseling and
Psychology Services (CAPS) at 703.993.2380. You may also see assistance from Mason’s
Title IX Coordinator by calling 703.993.8730 or emailing titleix@gmu.edu.

ME 471 – Introduction to Astronautics George Rankin Page 3

 Student Support Resources on Campus
Resources that you may find helpful may be found at:
http:/ctfe.gmu.edu/teaching/student-support-resources-on-campus/

ME 471 Course Schedule

Date Day Topic Reading Assignment

Week 1
Introduction/ Chapter 1
August 27 M
Space In Our Lives (Pg 1-23)
Chapter 2
29 W Space In Our Lives/History
(Pg 29 – 65)
Week 2
September 3 M Labor Day Holiday
Chapter 3
5 W Space Environment
(Pg 72-97)
Week 3
Chapter 8.2
10 M Space Environment Cont
(Pg 272 – 278)
Chapter 4
12 W Understanding Orbits
(Pg103 – 138)
Week 4
Chapter 5
17 M Describing Orbits
(Pg153-166)
Describing Orbits
19 W
Cont/Review
Week 5
16 T Test 1: Chapter 1, 3, 4, 5
Chapter 5
26 W Ground Tracks
(Pg 179 – 184)
Week 6
Chapter 6
October 1 M Maneuvering in Space
(Pg 191-214)
3 W Maneuvering in Space Cont
Week 7
Chapter 9
9 T Getting to Orbit
(Pg 289 – 317)
10 W Review
Week 8
15 M Midterm: Chapters 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9
Space Systems Engineering Chapter 11
17 W
(Pg 359 – 396)

ME 471 – Introduction to Astronautics George Rankin Page 4

 Week 9
22 M Space Systems Engineering Cont
24 W Space Systems Engineering Cont

Week 10
Chapter 12
29 M Control Systems
(Pg 401 – 439)
31 W Control Systems Cont
Week 11
Chapter 13
November 5 M Spacecraft Subsystems
(Pg 447 – 480)
Spacecraft Subsystems
7 W
Cont
Week 12
12 M Review
14 W Test 3: Chapter 11, 12, 13
Week 13
Rockets and Launch Chapter 14
19 M
Vehicles (Pg 534 – 559)
21 W Thanksgiving Recess
Week 14
Chapter 15
26 M Space Operations
(Pg 609 – 649)
28 W Space Operations Cont
Week 15
Chapter 16
December 3 M Using Space
(Pg 655 – 682)
5 W Mission Profile Presentations
Week 16
10 M Review/Reading (Optional)
12 W Final TBD

ME 471 – Introduction to Astronautics George Rankin Page 5

ME 471 – Introduction to Astronautics George Rankin Page 6