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615.744.81 - Physics of Space Systems I

Applied Physics

Summer 2026

Description

This is the first course in a two-course series (second course is 615.745) where students learn the fundamentals of designing space systems. The focus is on the underlying physics of major spacecraft subsystems, orbits, and launch vehicles. In this first course, topics include an overview of space systems engineering, the space environment, astrodynamics, space communications, orbit determination, propulsion, and spacecraft attitude determination and control. Concepts are introduced through lectures and then reinforced through homework assignments that include modeling, simulation, and analysis using MATLAB.Prerequisites: College courses in physics, calculus, and linear algebra.

Instructor

Nathan Stacey

nstacey1@jh.edu

Course Structure

The course is divided into 12 modules which can be accessed by clicking "Modules"on the course menu. A module will include lecture videos, readings, and assignments. If you are taking this class during the summer, then each module lasts 7 days. If you are taking this class during the fall or spring, then 10 of the modules will last 7 days, and 2 of the modules will last 14 days. See the "Course Outline" for details. You should regularly check the "Calendar"for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

Module 1 - Space Systems Engineering
Module 2 - The Space Environment
Module 3 - Astrodynamics I
Module 4 - Astrodynamics II
Module 5 - Astrodynamics III
Module 6 - Midterm Exam
Module 7 - Space Communications
Module 8 - Orbit Determinations
Module 9 - Propulsion
Module 10 - Attitude Determination and Control System I
Module 11 - Attitude Determination and Control System II
Module 12 - Final Exam

Course Goals

The goals of the two-course series (615.744 and 615.745) are:

Gain a technical understanding of the principal disciplines required to design a space system. This will provide a foundation that will enable students, with additional training, to contribute to space systems as a systems engineer or a subject matter expert.
Design a preliminary space system based on physical modeling, simulation, and analysis.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Design spacecraft orbits to meet mission requirements.
Construct a preliminary spacecraft delta-v budget.
Analyze the performance of a propulsion system.
Construct a preliminary spacecraft communications link budget.
Implement algorithms for estimation and control of spacecraft orbit and attitude.

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks. All readings are provided through eReserves.

Required Software

Students are required to use MATLAB for most modules. Students must also use either Microsoft Excel or Apple Numbers for one assignment.

Student Coursework Requirements

Grading breakdown:

10 Homework Assignments (40% of total grade)
- Students solve problems by exercising the knowledge and tools covered in the module learning activities. Students are encouraged to discuss the module material with each other, but the submitted solutions must be completed by each student independently.
10 Discussions (10% of total grade)
- Each student makes a post on Canvas responding to a prompt and then responds to at least one other student's post.
Midterm Exam (25% of total grade)
- Module 6 is an exam that tests comprehension of the content covered in Modules 1 - 5.
Final Exam (25% of total grade)
- Module 12 is an exam that primarily tests comprehension of the content covered in Modules 7 - 11. However, there may be some content on the exam from Modules 1 - 5.

Late submissions:

Less than 24 hrs late - automatic 33.33% deduction
24 to 48 hrs late - automatic 66.66% deduction
More than 48 hrs late - not accepted, score of 0

Grading Policy

Score Range	Letter Grade
100-97	= A+
96-93	= A
92-90	= A−
89-87	= B+
86-83	= B
82-80	= B−
79-77	= C+
76-73	= C
72-70	= C−
69-67	= D+
66-63	= D
<63	= F

Course Evaluation

My goal is for students to understand and enjoy the course material. Please help me achieve this goal by submitting a course evaluation identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the course.

Course Policies

Students may not share course materials with other students at Johns Hopkins University. Any use of the course materials outside of class activities must cite this course, including the name of the instructor, Dr. Nathan Stacey.

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar. Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students. This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Our courses are designed with a proactive approach to accessibility to minimize the need for disability disclosure and accommodation requests, but we recognize that you may need additional support. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions, and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements. For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact EP Student Disability Services at ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. For a full description of the code please visit the Student Conduct Code website.

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team (EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu) in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.