The Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation Systems focus area strives to integrate the research and learning environments through a wide range of classes and research projects directed toward integrating satellite missions with engineering and science applications. Areas of study include Earth and Interplanetary orbit determination, satellite mission design, satellite navigation, satellite attitude dynamics and controls with an emphasis on theory and applications to actual flight hardware. Interplanetary mission design using low energy transfers involving low thrust optimal trajectories is also emphasized. Another area of emphasis is Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), of which the Global Positioning System (GPS) is a component. The focus here is on GNSS applications, receiver design, and data analysis. Courses are offered in hardware, software, and applications of GPS. This focus area offers a Master's and PhD curriculum and encourages the participation of students in classes of other focus areas as well as classes outside the Aerospace Engineering Department.

The research emphasis for this focus area closely parallels the course curriculum. It includes such areas as design of satellite constellations orbiting Earth-Moon Lagrange points for navigation and communications with assets in orbit or landers on the lunar surface. Other projects involve attitude modeling and determination for solar sails, use of GPS for precision satellite orbit and attitude determination and development of next generation GPS receivers. Most research projects involve interaction with other universities, government laboratories, and private industry.

ASN Faculty
Dennis Akos, Associate Professor
Penina Axelrad, Professor
George H. Born, Professor, Director of CCAR
Robert D. Culp, Professor
Kristine M. Larson, Professor
R. Steven Nerem, Professor, Associate Director of CCAR
Scott Palo, Assistant Professor
Hanspeter Schaub, Associate Professor, Smead Fellow
Daniel J. Scheeres, Professor, Seebass Chair