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3-050-CometOrbitalMechanics-ModelingScenario

Author(s): Johan Thiel

New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn NY USA

Keywords: trajectory Space Euler's method orbital mechanics comet orbit

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Abstract

Resource Image The broad goal of this activity is to use a basic numerical method to approximate the solution of an initial value problem. In this particular case, we will use Euler's method to help model the trajectory of a comet as it orbits the sun.

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Article Context

Resource Type
Differential Equation Type
Technique
Qualitative Analysis
Application Area
Course
Course Level
Lesson Length
Technology
Approach
Skills
Key Scientific Process Skills
Assessment Type
Pedagogical Approaches
Vision and Change Core Competencies - Ability
Principles of How People Learn
Bloom's Cognitive Level

Description

In 2004 the European Space Agency launched the comet orbiter/lander Rosetta, with the intention of studying comet 67P (Churyumov-Gerasimenko) up close. At a cost of approximately 1.4 billion EUR, this project had the ambitious goal of placing a lander on a comet to collect data.

More than 10 years later, when Rosetta finally rendezvoused with comet 67P, the mission was declared a success. Such a maneuver requires precise knowledge of how celestial bodies interact with each other in space.

Our goal will be to construct a relatively simple model using numerical methods to approximate the trajectory of comet 67P.

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Authors

Author(s): Johan Thiel

New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn NY USA

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