Training programme in Astrodynamics

Recent years have seen a whole new type of space race emerge — one between private companies rather than between governments, as occurred in the past. There is a need, however, to provide spacecraft and aerospace engineers with mathematical and engineering skills to help them excel in this growing field.

'The astrodynamics network' (ASTRONET-II) is a Marie-Curie Research Training Network that aims to provide knowledge, skills and communication training for early-career researchers in astrodynamics.

ASTRONET-II has funded training in various topics, as well as small research projects. Two training schools covered a number of practical aspects of spacecraft control and manoeuvring.

Research projects are now underway at various host institutions (both universities and private companies). These cover topics like new methods for designing spacecraft trajectories, and ways to extend space missions through improved dynamics.

These research projects have already resulted in several publications and conference presentations. With the training and experience provided by ASTRONET-II, the sky is the limit for this new generation of space scientists.