Contact Information
Have a question about the course content, learning activities, or orbital simulations? Get in touch with the instructor.
Course Instructor
System Engineer, Astrodynamics Specialist, and Space Sciences Instructor
Professor Lachance can be contacted for questions concerning the course material, orbital mechanics, simulations, and the organization of the training program.
Contact Details
Meetings are available by appointment.
Course Instructor
System Engineer Astrodynamics Specialist Space Sciences Instructor @ SpaceOrbitLAB.com
Dr. Lachance brings more than three decades of experience in space systems engineering, Earth remote sensing, optical instrumentation, numerical modeling, and mission-oriented space science. His teaching connects the mathematical foundations of orbital mechanics with the engineering realities of modern satellite missions.
At SpaceOrbitLAB, his objective is simple: help engineers, analysts, researchers, and advanced students understand spaceflight physics deeply enough to compute it, simulate it, and apply it to real mission problems.
Dr. Lachance combines academic teaching, industrial space engineering, applied research, and operational mission experience. His career has placed him at the intersection of:
This combination gives students a practical perspective: the course is not limited to textbook orbit theory, but connects equations, algorithms, simulations, and mission constraints.
Space Missions
Experience as Senior Scientist, Lead System Engineer, and Program Manager at mission, system, and subsystem levels.
1998 — Present
2002 — 2012
2003 — Present
2006 — Present
2009 — Present
2011 — Present
Featured Simulation
Orbits101 is an interactive orbital simulator developed by Richard L. Lachance. It allows users to explore and visualize satellite trajectories by modifying their orbital parameters.
Orbits101 allows users to modify the classical orbital elements used to define the shape, size, and orientation of an orbit.
The simulated trajectory can be displayed in several commonly used coordinate systems, allowing users to compare how the same orbit is represented in different reference frames.
Interactive Tool
Open the complete simulator to modify orbital parameters, select a reference frame, and visualize the resulting satellite trajectory.
