Orbital Mechanics
This module covers the foundational physics of how spacecraft move in orbit. Topics include Newton's law of gravitation, Kepler's three laws, types of orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO), Hohmann transfers, and delta-v budgets. By the end of this module, students will understand how to calculate orbital parameters and plan basic maneuvers.
Open Interactive Module →Attitude Control
Attitude control determines how a spacecraft orients itself in space. This module covers reference frames, Euler angles and quaternions, reaction wheels, magnetorquers, thrusters, PID controllers, and the basics of ADCS (Attitude Determination and Control Systems). Students will work through simulations showing how different actuators affect spacecraft rotation.
Open Interactive Module →CubeSat Systems
CubeSats have democratized access to space. This module walks through every subsystem of a 1U/3U CubeSat — power systems (solar panels, batteries, EPS), communications (UHF/VHF, S-band), onboard computers, thermal management, and structural design. Students will learn how to read CubeSat datasheets and understand trade-off decisions.
Open Interactive Module →Mission Design
The capstone module. Students will apply everything learned in Modules 1–3 to design a complete small satellite mission from scratch — defining mission objectives, selecting the orbit, choosing the payload, budgeting power and mass, and writing a basic Mission Design Document (MDD). Perfect for students participating in CubeSat competitions.
Open Interactive Module →