Spacecraft relative motion control solutions stabilize the spacecraft relative to another spacecraft. This is useful control the approach prior to docking, to circumnavigate while inspect the target object, or to remain in a bounded vicinity about the target. This course covers the basics of nonlinear control theory to apply Lyapunov's direct method to the relative motion control problem. Feedback control strategies using inertial coordinates, differential orbit elements and Hill frame coordinates are studied. Reference relative motions are considered that are either naturally occurring or require a feed-forward control component.
Spacecraft Relative Motion Control
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Spacecraft Relative Motion Control
This course is part of Spacecraft Formation Relative Orbits Specialization
Instructor: Hanspeter Schaub
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Advanced level
Designed for those already in the industry
23 hours to complete
3 weeks at 7 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
numerically simulate spacecraft relative motion
Analyze relative motion stability
Develop relative motion feedback control solutions
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
27 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Spacecraft Formation Relative Orbits Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 2 modules in this course
The basics of nonlinear stability of dynamical systems is reviewed. A range of stability definitions are reviewed. The general methodology to develop feedback controls using Lyapunov's princple is presented.
What's included
15 videos9 assignments
Develop feedback control strategies to drive a spacecraft towards a desired relative trajectory.
What's included
26 videos18 assignments
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Physics and Astronomy
University of Toronto
University of Colorado Boulder
Georgia Institute of Technology
Northwestern University
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.