| Unit name | Advanced Space Systems |
|---|---|
| Unit code | AENGM0089 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Aplin |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Space Systems (AENG22300) or equivalent |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
The space sector worldwide is rapidly evolving, mainly due to commercial activities reducing launch costs. The UK space industry is growing fast both in terms of hardware development and launch site capability. This course will provide an overview of the latest technologies and advances across the sector, combined with a sound basis in key space engineering concepts and principles such as advanced orbit analysis, propulsion systems, and scientific instrumentation. This philosophy, of theoretical knowledge underpinning up-to-date examples and case studies should equip graduates with skills that they can apply into the future.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This course builds upon the basic principles covered in the earlier Space Systems course, aiming to provide advanced skills and knowledge that will make graduates employable in the space industry.
Overview of content
This unit covers a broad range of topics to equip students with a foundation in different aspects of space systems engineering and mission development, which may include: hyperbolic trajectories; perturbations affecting orbits and trajectories; planning a planetary mission using orbit modelling tools; spacecraft communications; engineering for human space flight; technical approaches for launches using different types of rockets; spacecraft entering an atmosphere; instrumentation for scientific and Earth observation missions.
How will students be different as a result of the unit
You will know more about the engineering considerations needed in many aspects of the space industry. You should be able to understand and evaluate the key technical concepts and challenges for different types of space mission (commercial, scientific, crewed, etc). You will be able to design simple interplanetary space missions from modelling the trajectory to proposing suitable payloads. You will know how to construct a presentation based on a self-driven investigation beyond the taught material.
Learning Outcomes
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, which may include lectures, in-lecture activities, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises. Case studies are a key part of the course and will be used regularly to apply and develop the concepts. This use of case studies also provides authentic examples to help students to select and investigate material for the presentation exercise. The trajectories part of the course includes a practical activity in NASA’s GMAT software.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Practical activity on mission modelling (ILO 1), assessed via an online test.
Summative Assessment
[40%] – recorded video or presentation, including a peer review component (ILO 2)
[60%] – timed assessment exercise (ILO 1,3,4)
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Reassessment will follow the same format.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. AENGM0089).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
