Introduction to Astronautics

Objectives: introduction to concepts and principles related to space flight, space vehicles, launch systems and operations systems. Introduction to the concepts, fundamentals, applications and trends in engineering and space technology in the world and, in particular, in Brazil.

Program of Studies:

Aerospace Engineering and its approach at UFABC. Why space? What is a space mission and which sectors/areas it involves? History of space navigation. Vehicles and space systems: past, present and future (trends, future research needs). Space: dimensions involved, the space environment, risks for living beings and equipment. Orbit and attitude of spacecraft: basic concepts about determination and control, maneuvers, commercial border, politics and laws, etc. National Program of Space Activities (PNAE - 10-year Brazilian planning needs of the country, ongoing and future developments). Seminars on space activities in Brazil.

• This course is 100% face-to-face and is based on the original plan of the discipline ESTS003-17 Introduction to Astronautics, of the Aerospace Engineering course at UFABC.
• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) 'Moodle' is used to centralize, guide and assist in carrying out all studies and activities of the discipline.
• The course progresses week by week, and the content of the face-to-face classes will be made available in advance within the planned study script, where 'links' to the classes (in pdf format) and complementary materials created for this purpose (videos, texts, e-books, etc.) are listed and inserted.
• Access to the content will be through Moodle, where all regularly enrolled students will have access.
• Each week contains a proposal for studies to be carried out, including the week's class and its complements, a forum for related discussions, as well as an activity (usually a questionnaire), which concludes the study and serves to assist in the student's understanding of the concepts and evaluation.
• Discussions about the content offered will preferably take place during classes and in the Moodle Forums. Additionally, for this purpose, there is the class email and the class WhatsApp group.