Delft University of Technology
Astrodynamics and Space Missions

The research group 'Astrodynamics and Space Missions" is one of two groups comprising the "Space Engineering" department. Our group focuses on Satellite orbits, mission analysis and applications, Space propulsion, ascent and re-entry systems and Solar system exploration. In the Master of Science track "Space Flight" we are responsible for the profile "Space Exploration". We offer a number of MSc courses.

The theme of solar system exploration concerns the application of the expertise of the department to define instruments, trajectories and missions for exploring the characteristics of other planets and moons in our solar system. Major sub-themes are autonomous navigation and extremely precise deep-space tracking with innovative laser ranging and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) techniques. It also encompasses planetary physics.
The ambition is to become the principal investigator for a dedicated instrument on one of the future international planetary missions. There is a particular interest in sub-surface oceans on planetary moons, but planetary ring systems also belong in this field because of our expertise in orbital mechanics.