675.781.81 - Physics of Space Security
Description
This comprehensive course touches the wave tops of the math and physics of offensive and defensive space control systems. The course is developed around the foundational physics of competitor nation systems under development and operational fielding as published in public U.S. government reports. We explore each of the systems and the basic principles that underlie the technological approach at the level of fundamental engineering, math, and physics. The list of techniques that we explore are ground- and space-based kinetic interceptors (and the affects and concerns around orbital debris), accuracy in targeting and orbit estimation, space-based attack robots (touching on rendezvous and proximity operations), fractional orbital bombardment systems, ground-based and space-based electronic jamming and attack as well as laser dazzling and damage. We explore future technologies such as the impacts of quantum encryption, artificial intelligence, cislunar basing, dynamic space operations, the possibility of nuclear weapons in space, and the practical use of space plane systems.
Instructor
Patrick Binning
Course Structure
Weekly modules will be released at 12am Friday morning ET to allow you two weekends to work.
Please refer to individual assignments in Canvas for details on submission and due dates.
The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the Canvas course menu. A module will have several sections including the learning path, lecture content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting.
The lecture content for the class is available on Canvas pages to allow students to use a variety of accessibility tools built into the Canvas learning management system. Information on accessibility tools is available on the Canvas at JHU webpage Accessibility Resources for Students.
Course Topics
Module 1 - Course Introduction, DIA Report, & Math Review
Module 2 - Tracking and Predicting Non-Cooperative Earth Orbiting Objects – Part 1
Module 3 - Tracking and Predicting Non-Cooperative Earth Orbiting Objects – Part 2
Module 4 - Basic Rendezvous and Proximity Operations
Module 5 - Advanced Rendezvous and Proximity Operations
Module 6 - Ground-Based Kinetic Attacks
Module 7 - Orbital Interceptors
Module 8 - Cislunar Operations
Module 9 - Electromagnetic Directed Energy
Module 10 - Electronic Warfare
Module 11 - Probabilistic Pellet Attack (Fall and Spring, only)
Module 12 - Orbital Debris Generation and Mitigation (Fall and Spring, only)
Module 13 - The Space Environment And Nuclear Effects
Module 14 - Quantum Information
Course Goals
Equip students with the skills to analyze and model the motion of space systems using foundational principles of orbital mechanics and numerical methods. Provide students with the ability to quantify threats to space assets, including intercept trajectories, orbital maneuvers, and kinetic engagements. Enable students to apply concepts of dynamics and coordinate transformations to simulate and predict space vehicle behaviors under both cooperative and adversarial conditions. Develop students’ proficiency in using MATLAB to model complex scenarios such as ASAT attacks, debris evolution, and spacecraft proximity operations. Instill a deep understanding of space security physics, preparing students to assess vulnerabilities and design resilient mission architectures in contested orbital regimes.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
- Analyze the history, scale, and scope of anti-satellite weapons testing and the impact of anti-satellite weapons on the future use of space as a result of debris generating events.
- Model satellite positions using estimation and prediction theory including the accuracy of targeting solution for anti-satellite weapons.
- Analyze the set of anti-satellite systems that competitor nations are developing and the engineering necessary for their implementation.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of anti-satellite weapons that have irreversible damage such as kinetic strikes, laser damage, and robotic attacks.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of anti-satellite weapons that have reversible damage such as laser dazzling and electromagnetic interference.
- Explore current topics in the field to understand the state of new technologies and options for space security.
Textbooks
Curtis, H. (2021). Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students (Rev 4th ed.). Elsevier.
Additional readings are available through the eReserves link on the Canvas course navigation menu.
Required Software
Technical Skills and Digital Information Literacy Skills Expected
Students are required to use MATLAB and installation instructions are provided in the Canvas course site.
Students may want to use STK and installation instructions are provided in the Canvas course site.
This course requires proficiency in digital information literacy and technical skills. Students should be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and introductory-level Excel.
Student Coursework Requirements
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- Weekly Assignments: 60%
- Course Project: 30%
- Discussions: 10%
Weekly Assignments
Assignments will generally be assigned weekly and will comprise 60% of the final grade.
The lowest 2 assignment grades of the semester will be dropped.
Assignments consist of several assigned problems of various difficulty. Assignments submitted late may receive feedback, however, these will likely receive a score of zero since we will review the homework solutions at the beginning of class. Partial credit will be given for problems. As such your problem-solving approaches and how you apply what you have learned is more important than getting the exact final answer correct.
Course Project
The course project will account for 30% of the grade.
For this project students will research a space security topic of their choice, using papers published in technical journals. Several options are provided in the course write-up on Canvas. The topic can be one covered in class or another related topic in space security. Details on the project and deliverables are provided in a write-up on Canvas. The project is to cover new or interesting facets of a topic not covered previously or a previously covered topic covered in more detail. The emphasis should be advancing your understanding on this unique problem.
Discussions
Discussions will allow students and instructors to engage on variety of topics relevant to the field and reflect on their understanding. Discussions will comprise 10% of the grade.
See Canvas course site for full details, deliverables, and due dates.
Grading Policy
| Score Range | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 100%-97% | = A+ |
| <97%-93% | = A |
| <93%-90% | = A− |
| <90%-87% | = B+ |
| <87%-83% | = B |
| <83%-80% | = B− |
| <80%-77% | = C+ |
| <77%-73% | = C |
| <73%-70% | = C− |
| <70%-67% | = D+ |
| <67%-63% | = D |
| <63% | = F |
Course Policies
Students are expected to do their own work. The use of on-line services such as Chegg for homework assignments is strictly prohibited and will be reported as academic misconduct.
You may consult with your fellow students and discuss your general ideas at a high level on the Assignments and Course Project, but your submitted assignments should be your own product.
There is a special write up and video about the use of Artificial Intelligence in a Canvas page that you should read and watch.
All work should be legible, neat & well-organized. Please do not make it difficult for the grader to follow your solution; your thought process and approach should be clear to the grader. Work should be submitted on-time unless other arrangements have been previously discussed with the instructor. Generally, late-submitted work will not be eligible for full credit without prior approval.
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 (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/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 is committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. If disability accommodations are needed for this course, students should request accommodations through Student Disability Services (SDS) as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements. For further information about this process, please refer to the SDS Website.
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 following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/
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.