This course lays critical fundamentals for understanding spacecraft orientation primarily through natural cases, i.e. torque free motion and motion due to the gravity torque on an orbiting spacecraft. Although the material covered is not necessarily wide, it goes very deep and builds upon fundamentals which are taught early in the class. It is incredibly helpful to gain an understanding and appreciation of how the underlying behavior is governed and is useful to visualize satellite and spacecraft construction and why they are oriented in certain ways.

Professor Howell is by far the best AAE professor that I have ever had. Her understanding of the material is incredible and she is able to communicate it clearly and concisely as well as answering any potential questions that might come up. She expects a high standard of work for this class, but not one that is unreasonable. Given the opportunity I would not take this course with anyone except Professor Howell teaching.

Start the homework early; they often require significant amounts of MATLAB coding which can be dangerous if left to the last minute to complete. Be prepared to fully explain all steps of your work and homework during submission.

Kathleen Howell