Space Engineering Projects

Overview

This section presents advanced university coursework and technical reports focused on spaceflight engineering, orbital mechanics, and atmospheric entry. The work was completed as part of the AERO4800 sequence at The University of Queensland and involves the development of physics-based numerical solvers implemented in Python.

Flagship Project

Developed and validated a three-degree-of-freedom Mars atmospheric entry solver to simulate hypersonic aerocapture trajectories. The model incorporates lift and drag, an exponential Martian atmosphere, altitude-dependent gravity, and coupled equations of motion.

Aerothermal analysis was performed using convective and radiative heating correlations to predict stagnation-point heat flux and temperature histories. A parametric study was conducted to identify optimal entry conditions balancing thermal load, controllability, and propulsive correction requirements.

Mars aerocapture heating analysis with convective, radiative, combined heating, and cumulative heat load curves — Simulated Mars aerocapture heating analysis showing convective heating, radiative heating, combined heat flux, and cumulative heat load for a representative aerocapture trajectory.

Integrates orbital mechanics, hypersonic aerothermodynamics, numerical ODE solvers, and validation against published NASA aerocapture studies.

View flagship report (PDF) View code repository (GitHub)

Other Examples

Earth-Mars Interplanetary Transfer & Aerocapture Analysis

Implemented an interplanetary trajectory modelling framework to analyse Earth-to-Mars transfers using Lambert solutions and planetary ephemerides. The study compared conventional propulsive Mars orbit insertion with atmospheric aerocapture as a mission optimisation strategy.

View report (PDF)

Multi-Stage Launch Vehicle Trajectory Modelling

Developed a three-degree-of-freedom numerical solver to model the ascent of a multi-stage launch vehicle from liftoff to orbital insertion.