spring 2025
STE-3605 Mathematical Modeling and Simulation - 5 ECTS

Type of course

This course can only be taken by students doing the Aerospace Control Engineering or Satellite Engineering study courses.

Course content

This course teaches the students how to build a satellite simulator through a series of tutorial-like lectures with accompanying assignments. Through a series of assignments, the students will be able to model and simulate a satellite operating in an elliptical orbit. Specifically, the course will cover:

  • Orbital mechanics
  • Sun vector modelling
  • Magnetic field modelling
  • Attitude determination
  • Attitude control
  • Actuators
    • Thrusters
    • Reaction wheels
    • Magnetic torquers
  • Actuation strategies
  • Sensors and sensor noise

Recommended prerequisites

ELE-3606 Control Engineering, MAT-3800 Linear Algebra II, STE-3800 Classical Mechanics

Objectives of the course

After passing the course, students will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding:

The candidate:

  • has knowledge on how to model translational and rotational dynamics of spacecraft
  • has knowledge on how to design an attitude controller for a rigid body
  • has knowledge on how to estimate the attitude based on vector measurements

Skills:

The candidate:

  • is able to model different components required to build a satellite simulator
  • is able to perform simulations in Python
  • is able to communicate and discuss advanced concepts

Competence:

  • The candidate will be able to model and simulate complex systems in Python.

Language of instruction and examination

The instruction language is English in case of international students participating, if not it will be taught in Norwegian.

Teaching methods

The students will receive teaching in advanced mathematical modeling and will spend much of the time doing an assignment each day. Through these assignments the students will learn the course contents through practical use of Python closely supervised by the instructor.

Schedule

Examination

Examination: Date: Grade scale:
Portfolio 05.03.2025 14:00 (Hand in) A–E, fail F
UiT Exams homepage

More info about the portfolio

Based on the assignments given through the course, the student shall write a report showing the simulation results and his or her understanding of the subject. This will be used to assess the candidate.

Re-sit examination

Re-sit exam will be offered for students who did not pass the last exam.
  • About the course
  • Campus: Narvik |
  • ECTS: 5
  • Course code: STE-3605
  • Earlier years and semesters for this topic