Are astronauts good in orbital mechanics?

[aphh]

Is it a requirement for all astronauts to be able to calculate orbits and orbital parameters?

 

[MeteorWayne]

I wouldn't think so, but an understanding could be important. They have specialists and computers to do the heavy number crunching. Note that during orbital maneuvers, the ground calls up the precise burns required including time, direction of the thrust, and duration.

Understanding what the effect is would be useful, but not essential. I'm sure most commanders and pilots have a thorough understanding; they just don't have routinely do the calculations.

 

[dragon04]

Maybe, but not probably. There's certainly no prohibition to a Shuttle pilot, for example to also be an expert in orbital mechanics, but most everything an American spacecraft does, manned, or unmanned is largely scripted ahead of time and computer controlled.

I don't even know that Shuttle Commanders have anything more than a basic understanding of orbital mechanics because they don't need to.

 

[Saiph]

I'd actually lean the other way. While the pilots may not be experts, I'd guess they're thoroughly grounded. Why you ask? Because I've a friend in the air force, training to be a pilot. And they crammed a lot of aeronautical engineering into his head. Granted it was easier for him, as he already had a degree, but they covered a lot of material about how and why planes fly, design features, etc.

I'd be surprised if anybody who might be required to maneuver the shuttle didn't get a pretty hefty dose of how the bloody thing works in orbit.

 

[vogon13]

Gemini astronauts were trained on a large circular race track in cars. They were instructed to drive at specific speeds in various 'orbits' and they gained practical hands on experience for rendezvous and docking missions. It was felt important for them to have an intuitive feel for how things fly around up there.

 

[aphh]

Thanks for all the replies,

I know that both Gemini and Apollo astronauts trained orbital mech extensively, both calculations and actual "hands-on" training.

There are a few things why I think the current astronauts might still need it, even if calculations are done by mission control; first that comes to mind is if the pilots of a mission become disabled for whatever reason. In theory the whole crew might become handicapped, so if there is only one astronaut left in full working condition, he or she should be able to complete docking or landing. This is very theoretical situation, but still possible (decompression event etc.).

Second thing is that astronauts need to be aware of what they are doing at all times. Space-flying is still a risky business. Doing calculations is a good way to keep the mind operating at the level needed to complete a space mission.

Third thing is that in keeping up with traditions of space-flying, I would think all astronauts and space-flyers should know about orbital mechanics.

 

[derekmcd]

I have to agree with Saiph. While complicated, orbital mechanics are not beyond the reach of the average joe. I would assume that astronauts are well trained in the basics of orbital mechanics if manual maneuvers become a necessity. If I was a Shuttle Commander, I'd want to know...