Improving ME452 Astrodynamics to better serve the Minor in Aerospace Engineering program

The Minor in Aerospace Engineering is a new program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF),established in academic year 2015-2016 [1]. Completing this minor will enable students to develop the knowledge and critical skills necessary to conduct tasks and research in mission planning, orbit tracking, aeronautical system guidance and control, solid-fuel synthesis, and more in the aerospace and aeronautical fields. This minor will also provide students with a broader avenue for career development in aerospace and astronautic engineering. To obtain a minor in Aerospace Engineering, students need to complete two required courses, ME451 Aerodynamics and ME452 Astrodynamics (both offered in the Department of Mechanical Engineering), and three elective classes from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Geoscience [1]. The ability of students from various disciplines to successfully complete the two required ME classes is pivotal to their success in completing this minor. This proposed project will assist students from multiple disciplines with better tools and present information to make the course ME452 more understandable and increase student performance and course completion. Ultimately it enhances the likelihood that students will complete the course and have sufficient competency in the subject to allow them to pursue this area in their career.