Using visualisations to develop skills in astrodynamics

ABSTRACT

Learning about the geometry and kinematics of bodies and their trajectories through space (or ‘astrodynamics’) is challenging due to its three-dimensional nature. To address this, the University of Bristol have developed simulation exercises for students based on a constructivist learning approach and variation learning theory. These exercises use orbit modelling software GMAT to develop skills and address misconceptions. The skills and misconceptions were drawn from the literature and suggested by students. Students were tested with a questionnaire both before and after performing the exercises. A survey at the end of the course provided feedback, which is discussed, along with proposals for further work. Overall, the study shows that 3D visualisation exercises may offer an interesting way to improve conceptual understanding of certain aspects of astrodynamics, particularly for those students struggling with the subject matter.

KEYWORDS:

• Astrodynamics
• variation theory
• misconceptions
• orbit modelling
• 3D visualisation
• GMAT

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes on contributors

Lucinda Berthoud has worked for 25 years in Spacecraft research and in industry. She started out with a 4-year Master's in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bristol then went to Toulouse where she studied for a PhD in Space Physics at Sup'Aero/ONERA. In 2009 she started teaching at the University of Bristol where she teaches Space Systems, Advanced Space Systems, Systems Engineering design in the Aerospace Engineering department. She is passionate about teaching and has set up a network for other higher education staff in the UK called the ‘Space Universities Network’. She is a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and was awarded a UK National Teaching Fellowship in 2019.

Jonathan Walsh is a PhD researcher who is studying “The effect of aerodynamic forces on Very Low Earth Orbit satellites” at the University of Bristol. He has been a teaching assistant at the University on Space systems and Advanced Space Systems courses for 3 years, teaching astrodynamics, amongst other topics.

Additional information

Funding

One of the authors was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [grant number 15220191] whilst preparing this work.