Apply now
CourseAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space Applications open

Orbital dynamics simulation course

Online course of 300 hours in orbital dynamics simulation. 6 modules covering classical orbital mechanics, perturbations, numerical propagation, manoeuvres and transfers, and orbit determination and space traffic, applying CCSDS 502.0-B-3 OEM, CCSDS 508.0-B-1 CDM and ISO 24113:2023 with GMAT, Orekit and STK, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration3 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand classical orbital mechanics and its reference frames.

02

Model the main orbital perturbations.

03

Propagate orbits with numerical and analytical methods.

04

Design transfer and rendezvous manoeuvres.

05

Assess conjunctions and collision risks.

06

Validate simulations against reference ephemerides.

07

Develop a complete orbital simulation of a mission.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Flight dynamics engineers.
  • Space mission analysts.
  • Satellite operations engineers who need solid orbit propagation skills.
  • Space situational awareness analysts.
  • Space GNC engineers.
  • Astrodynamics researchers.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to join the space industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • CCSDS 502.0-B-3 OEM (orbit ephemeris message format)
  • CCSDS 508.0-B-1 CDM (conjunction data message)
  • ISO 24113:2023 (space debris mitigation requirements)
  • ECSS-E-ST-10-04C (space environment)
  • IERS Conventions 2010 (reference frames and Earth orientation models)
  • ISO 27852:2016 (estimation of orbit lifetime)
  • IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines (inter-agency debris mitigation guidance)
  • GMAT
  • Orekit
  • Systems Tool Kit (STK)
  • Python with poliastro
  • MATLAB
Syllabus

6 modules

  1. 1.1Kepler's laws and the two-body problem
  2. 1.2Classical orbital elements
  3. 1.3Kepler's equation and its solution
  4. 1.4ECI and ECEF reference frames
  5. 1.5UTC, TAI and TDB time scales
  6. 1.6LEO, MEO, GEO and sun-synchronous orbits
  7. 1.7Ground tracks
  8. 1.8Visibility from ground stations
  9. 1.9Eclipse windows
  10. 1.10Lab: Keplerian propagator in Python
  1. 2.1Zonal harmonics and J2
  2. 2.2Atmospheric drag
  3. 2.3NRLMSISE-00 atmospheric models
  4. 2.4Solar radiation pressure
  5. 2.5Third bodies: Sun and Moon
  6. 2.6Tides and relativistic effects
  7. 2.7Gauss and Lagrange equations
  8. 2.8Frozen and repeat-ground-track orbits
  9. 2.9Orbital decay and re-entry
  10. 2.10Practical exercise: effect of J2 on a sun-synchronous orbit
  1. 3.1Cowell integration
  2. 3.2Runge-Kutta and multistep integrators
  3. 3.3Error control and adaptive step size
  4. 3.4SGP4 analytical propagators
  5. 3.5TLE format and its limitations
  6. 3.6Semi-analytical propagation
  7. 3.7Accuracy versus cost
  8. 3.8Comparison of propagators
  9. 3.9Validation against ephemerides
  10. 3.10Lab: propagation with Orekit
  1. 4.1Hohmann transfer
  2. 4.2Bi-elliptic transfers
  3. 4.3Plane changes
  4. 4.4Lambert's problem
  5. 4.5Rendezvous and docking
  6. 4.6Clohessy-Wiltshire equations
  7. 4.7Station-keeping in GEO
  8. 4.8Gravity assists
  9. 4.9Low-thrust transfers
  10. 4.10Workshop: design of a transfer to GEO
  1. 5.1Tracking measurements
  2. 5.2Batch least squares
  3. 5.3Kalman filter in orbit determination
  4. 5.4Covariance and its propagation
  5. 5.5Conjunction assessment
  6. 5.6Probability of collision
  7. 5.7Collision avoidance manoeuvres
  8. 5.8CDM messages
  9. 5.9Constellation simulation
  10. 5.10Case study: analysis of a conjunction
  1. 6.1Mission definition
  2. 6.2Orbit selection
  3. 6.3Force model
  4. 6.4Propagation and validation
  5. 6.5Manoeuvre plan
  6. 6.6Coverage and visibility analysis
  7. 6.7Collision risk assessment
  8. 6.8Technical documentation
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so the programme is compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is GMAT, Orekit, Systems Tool Kit (STK), Python with poliastro and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures: design of a sun-synchronous Earth-observation orbit, conjunction analysis of a LEO satellite and orbital transfer to geostationary orbit. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.

Standards covered: CCSDS 502.0-B-3 OEM, CCSDS 508.0-B-1 CDM, ISO 24113:2023, ECSS-E-ST-10-04C, IERS Conventions 2010, ISO 27852:2016, IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of CCSDS 502.0-B-3 OEM, CCSDS 508.0-B-1 CDM and ISO 24113:2023 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:GMAT, Orekit, Systems Tool Kit (STK), Python with poliastro, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:a complete orbital simulation of a mission, from orbit selection to collision risk assessment, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Define the mission
Set out the mission objectives and select a suitable orbit.
Build the force model
Model gravity harmonics, drag, solar radiation pressure and third bodies.
Propagate and validate
Propagate the orbit and validate the results against reference ephemerides.
Plan manoeuvres and assess risk
Design the manoeuvre plan, analyse coverage and evaluate collision risk.
Final project
Document the complete orbital simulation and present it for review by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Flight dynamics engineerSpace mission analystSatellite operations engineerSpace situational awareness analystSpace GNC engineerAstrodynamics researcher
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with GMAT, Orekit, Systems Tool Kit (STK), Python with poliastro, MATLAB, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

No prior qualification is required; you need an internet connection, a computer capable of running the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Course830 $

SMS audit course in airports

Online course of 300 hours in airport SMS auditing. 6 modules covering the airport operator SMS, applied audit principles, audit planning and execution, SMS effectiveness assessment…

3 monthsOnlineAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Course500 $

Part-M/ML Maintenance Course

Online course of 300 hours in Part-M/ML in maintenance, structured in 6 modules covering the scope of Part-M and Part-ML, general aviation maintenance programmes, maintenance execution…

3 monthsOnlineAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Course890 $

ITAR Aerospace Course

Online course of 300 hours in ITAR for aerospace. 6 modules covering US export controls, USML classification and jurisdiction, licences and agreements, compliance programmes and violation…

300 hours · 3 monthsOnlineAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Orbital dynamics simulation courseEnrol
Related programmes

More in Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space

Payload integration course for dronesView programme →Rad-hard components courseView programme →On-orbit servicing operations courseView programme →Aerospace Materials Logistics CourseView programme →eVTOL Conceptual Design CourseView programme →Space Radiation and SEE CourseView programme →

All Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.