Module overview
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of astronautics and spacecraft engineering and applies the design approach to two separate case studies: the first for an interplanetary mission and the second for an Earth observation mission.
Linked modules
Pre-requisites: FEEG1002 AND MATH1054
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Engineering practice
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Ability to work with technical uncertainty (P8)
- Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards (P6)
- Understanding use of technical literature and other information sources (P4)
- Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied to spacecraft subsystem design (P1)
Economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of spacecraft engineering (EL2)
Additional general skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader (G4)
- Apply skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities (G1)
- Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD (G2)
Science and Mathematics
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Contributes to a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin spacecraft engineering, and an understanding and know-how of the scientific principles of related disciplines, to enable appreciation of the scientific and engineering context, and to support understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies (SM1m)
- Awareness of developing technologies related to Astronautics (SM4m)
- Understanding of concepts from a range of areas, including some outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them in a spacecraft engineering context (SM6m)
Engineering analysis
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understanding of, and the ability to apply, an integrated or systems approach to solving spacecraft systems engineering problems (EA4m)
- Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components of spacecraft subsystems through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques (EA2)
Design
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Investigate and define problems related to spacecraft systems engineering, identifying any constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations; ethical health, safety, security and risk issues; intellectual property; codes of practice and standards (D2)
Syllabus
Introduction and Systems Engineering
Introduction to spacecraft subsystems, the design approach from an industrial perspective
Payload
Types, operation, interface requirement
Mission Analysis
Orbit selection, Keplerian (idealised) orbits, co-planar orbit transfers
Attitude Control
Spacecraft angular momentum, types of spacecraft stabilisation, the closed loop system and impacts on the spacecraft design
Propulsion
Types, fundamental performance parameters, chemical systems, electrical systems
Power
Power sources, solar arrays, power storage (batteries), sizing up the system component
Communications
Frequencies, encoding, modulation, bandwidth, the communications link analysis
Thermal Control
Material properties, spacecraft thermal balance, thermal control
A spacecraft design case study
A specific spacecraft type and mission (remote sensing) is treated as a case study to illustrate spacecraft design features. This case study includes:
Overview of Mission Objectives
Spacecraft Payload
Review of payload types suitable/available for proposed mission.
Selection of payload. Study of payload operation to provide a mission
and payload interface requirements.
Mission Analysis
Assessment of payload derived mission requirements to establish
candidate mission orbits. Orbit trade-off and mission specification.
Spacecraft System Design
Identification of subsystem design requirements, and system design
drivers. Establishment of candidate configurations. Feasibility study
phase trade-off. Selection of spacecraft configuration.
Subsystem Design
Overview of subsystem design, taking account of interactions and
drivers for the particular mission: attitude control, propulsion,
spacecraft power, thermal control, communications, structures.
Impact of ground segment and operations.
Example Classes
Coursework Briefing
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods will include lectures andcoursework tutorial sessions. Learning activities include directed reading, problem solving and report writing.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Revision | 26 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 50 |
Tutorial | 5 |
Completion of assessment task | 10 |
Wider reading or practice | 26 |
Lecture | 33 |
Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Set Task Tutorial sheetsSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Final Assessment | 75% |
Continuous Assessment | 25% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External