Traveling the Solar System with C++: Programming Rocket Science
summary
Explains how production-grade C++ replaces legacy Fortran by modeling exact forces, frames, and ephemerides, using MONTE/BOA binary object archive for self-consistent inputs and Python bindings for workflow. Shows concrete wins: Cassini carried ~350 m/s of fuel while single Titan flybys delivered ~800 m/s, EVEEGA trajectories use multiple planetary assists, and planetary‑protection sampling runs millions of simulations now doable in days on cloud C++ code. Demos automatic differentiation via C++ templates and complex‑step derivative trick to get robust derivatives.
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chapters (10)
- 0:00Introduction to space exploration
- 7:55Newton's laws and satellites
- 13:21Modeling spacecraft motion
- 22:29Fortran's role in rocket science
- 29:49Dreaming a C++ solution
- 34:02Automatic differentiation in C++
- 38:39Mission design and planetary protection
- 41:09Europa Clipper mission overview
- 44:16Pioneer plaque and cosmic legacy
- 45:24Q&A on coordinate systems
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