This course is not offered this semester. If you are interested in this course email Dr.Robert Benson and let him know about your interest in the course.

Course Description: A study of the physical environment in outer space, and the physics of interplanetary travel. An application of classical and relativistic mechanics, and electromagnetic theory to the study of outer space environment, rocketry and communications.

Recommended Text: A Traveller's Guide to Spacetime, by Thomas A. Moore. Other material will be distributed as required.

Course Objectives:
1. To provide the student with a basic overview of the physical environment of outer space.
2. To introduce the student to the application of basic physics and mathematics for understanding the physical environment of outer space, interplanetary
travel and communication.
3. To introduce the student to calculation of interplanetary trajectories.
4. To introduce the student to the theory of relativity and the limits it sets on interplanetary explorations.

Topics:
A survey of the magnetosphere, orbital mechanics and communications in the outer space environment. Emphasis is placed on fundamentals of plasma physics, the solar wind, the ionosphere and the interactions of planetary magnetic and gravitational fields. An introduction to rocketry, trajectories, interplanetary travel and communications in the context of solar system dynamics is provided.

Evaluation Criteria:
1. Examination 1 - 20%
2. Examination 2 - 20%
3. Final Examination - 20%
4. Homework - 20%
5. Paper - 20%

Above criteria are tentative; the actual evaluation criteria including the scheme for assigning the letter grades will be announced by the instructor in the syllabus.