Astrodynamics fundamentals course
About our
The Fundamentals of Astrodynamics course introduces the key concepts for studying the motion of objects in space, covering topics such as orbital mechanics, Kepler’s equations, and orbital transfer. It focuses on the application of mathematical models for calculating trajectories and predicting the position of satellites and other celestial bodies, including programming tools for orbit simulation. It explains concepts of attitude control, gravitational perturbations, and orbital elements, crucial for the design and operation of space missions. The course provides essential knowledge for professional roles in the aerospace industry, such as space systems engineers, mission analysts, and satellite designers, preparing them to understand and solve problems related to spacecraft motion. Aspects of orbital maneuvers and space rendezvous are addressed, complemented by the study of space dynamics and propulsion.
Astrodynamics fundamentals course
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 2
380 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics: Trajectories, Orbits and Space Maneuvers
Here is the requested content:
- Understand the principles of astrodynamics, including Kepler’s laws and universal gravitation.
- Analyze the different types of orbital trajectories: elliptical, circular, parabolic, and hyperbolic.
- Study orbital elements and their use in describing the position and orientation of an object in space.
- Master space maneuvering techniques, including orbit changes and rendezvous.
- Apply modeling and simulation tools for the design of space missions.
- Evaluate the effects of gravitational and non-gravitational perturbations on orbits.
- Solve practical problems related to navigation space and mission control.
2. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics: Celestial Navigation, Orbital Mechanics and Space Mission Design
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Understand the fundamental principles of Celestial Navigation, including the position and motion of celestial bodies.
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Master the key concepts of Orbital Mechanics, such as Kepler’s laws, orbital elements, and perturbations.
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Apply techniques for Space Mission Design, including orbit selection, trajectory calculation, and maneuver planning.
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Study the tools and methods for calculating orbit propagation and determining the position and velocity of a spacecraft.
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Learn about celestial and terrestrial reference systems and their application in space navigation.
Analyze the forces acting on spacecraft, including gravity, solar radiation pressure, and atmospheric drag.
Become familiar with the instruments and technologies used in space navigation, such as star trails, gyroscopes, and GPS systems.
Explore the different types of orbits, their characteristics, and their applications in space missions (LEO, GEO, polar, etc.).
Evaluate and optimize flight trajectories for space missions, considering mission requirements and propulsion system limitations.
Introduction to Advanced Astrodynamics: Study of multibody dynamics, complex orbital maneuvers, and attitude control.
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics: Gravity, Kepler's Laws and Aerospace Propulsion
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Understand the nature of gravity and its influence on the motion of celestial bodies.
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Master Kepler’s Laws and apply them to predict orbits and trajectories.
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Explore the fundamental principles of aerospace propulsion, including different types of engines.
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Analyze orbital variables and calculate basic space maneuvers.
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Apply concepts of orbital dynamics to space mission planning.
5. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics: Orbital Mechanics, Gravitational Transfers and Perturbations
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Understand the fundamental principles of Orbital Mechanics, including Kepler’s laws and orbit determination.
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Master the calculation of Orbital Transfers, such as Hohmann transfers and bi-elliptical transfers, optimizing fuel consumption.
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Analyze Gravitational Perturbations due to celestial bodies, the Earth’s non-spherical shape, and solar radiation pressure, and their impact on orbits.
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Study orbital propagation models and techniques for determining and predicting the position of satellites and other objects in space.
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Apply the acquired knowledge to the planning and design of space missions, including orbit selection and satellite lifetime estimation.
6. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics: Orbit Theory, Flight Dynamics and Naval Mission Design
6. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics: Orbit Theory, Flight Dynamics, and Naval Mission Design
- Understand the fundamental principles of orbital mechanics, including Kepler’s laws and the orbit equation.
- Analyze the different types of orbits (geostationary, sun-synchronous, transfer, etc.) and their applications in naval missions.
- Study the flight dynamics of spacecraft, including propulsion, navigation, and attitude control.
- Design naval space missions, considering orbit selection, mission duration, payload requirements, and support systems.
- Model and simulate orbital trajectories using specialized software.
- Evaluate the effects of gravitational and non-gravitational perturbations on orbits.
- Apply astrodynamic concepts in context of naval operations, such as communication, surveillance, and navigation.
Become familiar with space launch systems and their capabilities.
Understand the safety and security aspects of naval space missions.
Explore future trends in astrodynamics and their impact on naval operations.
Who this program is for:
Astrodynamics fundamentals course
- Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, Automation Engineers, or related disciplines.
- Professionals from OEM rotorcraft/eVTOL, MRO, consulting, and technology center companies.
- Experts in Flight Testing, certification, avionics, control, and dynamics who wish to specialize.
- Regulators/authorities and professionals involved in UAM/eVTOL seeking compliance knowledge.
Recommended requirements: Knowledge of aerodynamics, control, and structures; Proficiency in Spanish/English at level B2+/C1. We have bridging tracks to cover possible deficiencies.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
1.1 Introduction to Trajectories: Fundamental concepts and types.
1.2 Orbits: Orbital elements and classification.
1.3 Space Maneuvers: Basic principles and types.
1.4 Orbital Mechanics: Kepler’s laws and fundamental equations.
1.5 Orbital Transfers: Hohmann transfers and other techniques.
1.6 Space Propulsion: Types of engines and performance.
1.7 Mission Design: Initial considerations and planning.
1.8 Reference Frames: Inertial and non-inertial frames.
1.9 Orbital Simulations: Tools and results analysis.
1.10 Naval Applications: Trajectories, orbits, and maneuvers in maritime contexts.
2.2 Introduction to Celestial Navigation: History and Fundamental Principles
2.2 Celestial Reference Systems: Equatorial, Horizontal, and Ecliptic Coordinates
2.3 Apparent Stellar Motion: Parallax, Aberration, and Precession
2.4 Position Determination: Astronomical Observations and Triangulation
2.5 Applied Orbital Mechanics: Orbital Elements and Kepler’s Equation
2.6 Space Mission Design: Concepts and Mission Phases
2.7 Orbit Selection: Considerations for Satellites and Spacecraft
2.8 Transfer Trajectories: Hohmann and Minimum Energy Transfers
2.9 Trajectory Design: Orbital Maneuvers and Attitude Control
2.20 Mission Analysis: Delta-V Budgeting and Feasibility Analysis
3.3 Introduction to Orbit Calculation: Definition and Types of Orbits
3.2 Orbital Elements: Keplerian Elements and Their Significance
3.3 Modeling Space Flight Dynamics: Equations of Motion
3.4 Orbit Determination Methods: Position and Velocity
3.5 Orbital Perturbations: Effects of Gravity and Other Factors
3.6 Satellite Control: Attitudes and Orbital Maneuvers
3.7 Sensors and Actuators: Key Components for Control
3.8 Attitude Control Systems: Stabilization and Orientation
3.9 Trajectory Design and Simulation: Mission Planning
3.30 Practical Applications: Navigation and Satellite Control
4.4 Kepler’s Laws: Fundamentals of Gravity
4.2 Gravitational Field: Modeling and Effects
4.3 Aerospace Propulsion: Basic Principles
4.4 Rocket Engines: Types and Operation
4.5 Propulsion Efficiency: Specific Impulse and Escape Velocity
4.6 Space Trajectories: Planning and Design
4.7 Orbital Maneuvers: Transfers and Corrections
4.8 Orbital Energy: Potential and Kinetic
4.9 Effects of Gravity: Perturbations and Drift
4.40 Mission Design: Propulsion and Gravity Considerations
5.5 Elements of an Orbit: Definition and Orbital Parameters
5.5 Kepler’s Laws and Their Application to Space Trajectories
5.3 Orbital Transfers: Hohmann and Other Maneuvers
5.4 Gravitational Perturbations: Modeling and Effects
5.5 Numerical Integration of Orbits and Simulation
5.6 Orbital Propagation and Position Prediction
5.7 Maneuver Design: Optimization and Constraints
5.8 Effects of Non-Gravitational Forces
5.9 Orbital Stability Analysis
5.50 Applications of Gravitational Transfers in Missions
6.6 Introduction to Space Navigation and Naval Astrodynamics
6.2 Principles of Orbital Mechanics Applied to Ships and Naval Systems
6.3 Determination and Calculation of Trajectories for Vessels and Projectiles
6.4 Propulsion Systems and Maneuvers in Marine and Space Environments
6.5 Mission Design: Naval Applications of Astrodynamics
6.6 Orbital Kinematics: Positioning and Control of Ships
6.7 Orbital Transfers: Route Optimization for Navigation
6.8 Gravitational Perturbations and Their Effects on Naval Navigation
6.9 Celestial Navigation: Techniques and Applications in the Naval Field
6.60 Case Studies: Practical Applications of Astrodynamics in the Navy
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).