THE SOLAR SYSTEM

• Motions Within the Solar System
• Distances Within the Solar System
• Temperatures Within the Solar System
• The Sun
• The Terrestrial Planets
• Earth's Radiation Environment
• The Jovian Planets
• The Minor Planets – Asteroids
• Comets
• Meteoroids, Meteors, Meteorites

REFERENCE SYSTEMS

• Terrestrial Coordinates
• Earth's Rotation
• Revolution of Earth

GRAVITATION AND MECHANICS

• Ellipses
• Newton's Principles of Mechanics
• Acceleration
• Acceleration in Orbit
• Gravity Gradients & Tidal Forces
• How Orbits Work
• The Key to Space Flight
• Orbiting a Real Planet
• Freefall

INTERPLANETARY TRAJECTORIES

• Hohmann Transfer Orbits
• Inward Bound
• Type I and II Trajectories
• Gravity Assist Trajectories
• Ion Engine

ELECTROMAGNETIC PHENOMENA

• Electromagnetic Radiation
• The Inverse Square Law
• Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Radio Frequencies
• Atmospheric Transparency
• Radio Frequency Interference
• Spectroscopy
• The Doppler Effect
• Reflection / Refraction
• Refraction in Earth's Atmosphere

SPACECRAFT CLASSIFICATION

• Flyby Spacecraft
• Orbiter Spacecraft
• Atmospheric Spacecraft
• Lander Spacecraft
• Penetrator Spacecraft
• Rover Spacecraft
• Observatory Spacecraft
• Communications Spacecraft

LAUNCH PHASE

• Launch Vehicles
• Smaller Launch Vehicles

ENCOUNTER PHASE

• Flyby Operations
• Planetary Orbit Insertion Operations
• Atmospheric Entry and Aerobraking
• Descent and Landing