Abstract:

In the field of Astrodynamics, some concepts are difficult to approach for the first time by students. This is one of the main challenges in certain courses of the Aerospace Engineering degree such as “Rockets and Missiles”, given at the University of León in Spain. To overcome these difficulties, this research proposes the use of some simulation tools in the learning process, so students can get a better grasp of the physical driving processes, as well as acquire the knowledge derived from their application to real cases. Moreover, as the tools included in this study are also used in the professional practice, the students will acquire additional skills that could be useful for their future career.

As an exemplification of the methodology, we will implement two case studies. The first one focuses on the understanding of some essential concepts related to the ballistic trajectory of missiles employing the Satellite Tool Kit (STK), which is one of the leading commercial off-the-shelf software in the aerospace industry. In the second case, the trajectories of a real space mission are discussed by means of a specialized software, the General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT), which is an open source tool used by NASA that is mainly focused on satellites and interplanetary missions. The advantages and disadvantages of the different simulation tools are also analysed from an educational point of view. Namely, to what extent there is an enhancement in the understanding of the trajectory and movement laws of the aerospace vehicles from the student’s perspective.

To quantify the impact and effectiveness of the initiative, we have conducted two tests, one previous to the practice and the other after it. Both tests consist on the same questions about the concepts that were introduced in the simulations. Besides, another survey will be done with some qualitative questions related to their personal experience in the software use and the potential advantages that they have found with the new methodology.

Keywords:

Orbital flight software, simulation based learning, aerospace engineering.