| Unit name | Space Systems |
|---|---|
| Unit code | AENG22300 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Lucy Berthoud |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
The unit introduces spacecraft engineering from a system level perspective. First students learn about the context of space exploration through a history of space lecture. Then payloads as the drivers of mission design are examined. After this, orbital mechanics is covered in some lectures up to Hohmann transfer level. Labs are used to reinforce understanding of orbital mechanics with a short piece of coursework using the orbit modelling software to assess understanding of calculations and terminology.
Propulsion and launchers follow with calculations of delta V. Then spacecraft subsystems are covered next (including power, thermal, communications, mechanical systems, AOCS), with an emphasis on how these systems work together to deliver a specific mission. A blackboard quiz provides feedback to give students a chance to test themselves. The course finishes with two industrial satellite case studies, at least one of these is provided by industry. Example sheets, examples classes, videos and demonstrations support the learning throughout.
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
LO1 - Perform simple calculations for Keplerian orbits and transfers
LO2 – Explain terminology used to describe orbits
LO3 – Perform simple calculations for rockets
LO4 – Perform simple calculations for spacecraft subsystems
LO5 – Describe the constituents and functioning of the spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion
LO6 – Describe mission examples of subsystem design implementation.
Students receive two 50 minute lectures for 10 weeks on Space Systems. These provide coverage of each topic with examples, videos and/or demonstrations. Comprehensive notes for the lectures are provided online, as well as paper copies of the slides for students to annotate. The following are also provided:
1 coursework (20%) (LO1- LO3) which includes an exercise to demonstrate calculations for orbits, an opportunity to demonstrate orbit modelling skills and an opportunity to research a topic which has been challenging for the student.
2 hr examination in January (80%) (LO1-LO6)
