Module overview
This module is essential for anyone interested in pursuing space in the spacecraft theme or as an individual project. It builds on the basics first introduced in Part 2 and looks at each of the key subsystems of a spacecraft in detail. The module includes orbital and trajectory theory, where two-body motion, manoeuvres and special trajectories are described. Sequence and issues during entry, descent and landing (EDL) operations are covered in detail. The module may include design practice on thermal and power sub-system.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: SESA2024
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- A thorough understanding of current mission design, spacecraft subsystem (Power system/Thermal control system) design and EDL (Entry, Descent and Landing) practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments (P9m)
- Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to design spacecraft power, thermal control and mission trajectory, and to enable students to apply a range of mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently and critically in the analysis and solution of spacecraft subsystem (Power system/Thermal control system) design and EDL (Entry, Descent and Landing) problems (SM2m)
- A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of mission analysis and designing power and thermal control systems. (SM7m)
- A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computational models relevant to orbital mechanics, spacecraft subsystem (Power system/Thermal control system) design and EDL (Entry, Descent and Landing) and an appreciation of their limitations (SM5m)
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin orbital mechanics, an understanding and know-how of the scientific principles of designing power and thermal control systems, to enable appreciation of the scientific and engineering context, and to support your understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies on spacecraft design. (SM1m)
- A critical awareness of current problems related to mission analysis, spacecraft subsystem (ACS/Power system/Thermal control system) design and EDL (Entry, Descent and Landing) (SM8m)
- Understanding of different roles within an engineering team and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader (P11m)
- Awareness of developing technologies related to mission analysis, spacecraft subsystem (ACS/Power system/Thermal control system) design and EDL (Entry, Descent and Landing) (SM4m)
- Understanding how heat transfer and aerothermodynamics are applied in the context of subsystem design and atmospheric re-entry control and guidance (P1)
- Ability both to apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for designing mission and spacecraft subsystem (Power system/Thermal control system) and to assess their limitations (EA6m)
- Knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of mission analysis, spacecraft subsystem (Power system/Thermal control system) design and EDL (Entry, Descent and Landing) processes (EL2)
- Understanding of concepts relevant to orbital mechanics, spacecraft subsystem (Power system/Thermal control system) design and EDL (Entry, Descent and Landing), including some outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively in spacecraft design projects (SM6m / SM9m)
Cognitive Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints (P10m)
- Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of spacecraft design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations (D10m)
- Ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support study of orbital mechanics, spacecraft subsystem (Power system/Thermal control system) design and EDL (Entry, Descent and Landing) and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively (SM3m)
- Demonstrate wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of spacecraft design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations (D7m)
- Awareness that spacecraft design activities should promote sustainable space development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate (EL11m)
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Ability the use of technical literature and other information sources (P4m)
- Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies (EA5m)
- Awareness of relevant regulatory requirements governing spacecraft subsystem design activities in the context of standardisation (EL12m)
- Ability to apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal (D4)
- Apply your skills in problem solving, communication, working with others, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities (G1)
- Knowledge, understanding and skills to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of solar radiation and temperature on the spacecraft subsystem design (power system / thermal control system) and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies (D9m)
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Ability to apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches and understanding their limitations, in order to solve EDL (Entry, Descent and Landing) problems and implement appropriate action (EA3m)
- Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of spacecraft systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques on orbital mechanics and spacecraft subsystems (Power system/Thermal control system) (EA2)
- Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of spacecraft engineering and mission analysis (P12m)
Syllabus
Keplerian Orbits:
Spherical Trigonometry
Two-Body Problem
Elliptic, Parabolic & Hyperbolic Motion
Orbit Representation:
Coordinate Systems & Time
Orbital Elements
Time Dependence
Power System (Design practice may include):
Power system element and basic design principles
Orbital Consideration
Energy sources
Energy storage devices
Thermal Control System (Design practice may include):
Fundamental of Thermal analysis
Environmental heat inputs
Thermal control hardware
Thermal testing
Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL):
Fundamental of Atmospheric entry/re-entry method
Deceleration of Spacecraft
Atmospheric entry/re-entry issues
Design and Testing methods of EDL: ground testing facilities and computational methods
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Learning activities include directed reading, problem solving, and computer lab sessions.
Teaching methods include:
Lectures, including slide and video presentations, and example classes
An industrial visit (subject to availability)
Learning activities include:
Directed reading
Individual work to understand and master the course content through problem sheets
Computer programming of related problems
Application of course content to astronautics-based Part 3 Individual Projects
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Follow-up work | 16 |
Wider reading or practice | 69 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 17 |
Revision | 12 |
Lecture | 36 |
Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Continuous Assessment | 20% |
Final Assessment | 80% |
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