Module overview
This module will provide an understanding of the processes and methods used in industry to design spacecraft. By taking a systems engineering approach, it will fit with other modules that are taking a detailed look at spacecraft subsystems, whilst emphasising the concurrent and iterative nature of spacecraft design, beginning from the definition of a space mission and the identification of a suitable payload to the final assembly, integration and verification. Students will be introduced to systems engineering, concurrent design, spacecraft design optimisation techniques, standards, and regulatory issues. In addition, seminars that discuss real space missions will demonstrate how these methods have been applied in industry. Finally, students will carry out a limited group project to put the key concepts and methods into practice.
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:
- Where spacecraft design drivers come from
- How spacecraft design is verified
- What impacts standards and regulations have on spacecraft design
- What methods can be used to produce optimal spacecraft designs
- How lifecycles are used to manage space projects
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Solve problems systematically
- Adopt appropriate methodologies and practices for design
- Communicate design choices and justifications using written and verbal methods
- Study and learn independently and as part of a team
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Develop appropriate test procedures to verify spacecraft designs
- Critically evaluate design options
- Identify information requirements and sources for spacecraft design
- Incorporate standards and regulations into spacecraft design
- Apply space project management and design methods to spacecraft design challenges
Syllabus
Space mission selection and definition:
Mission and payload/instrument selection
Mission objectives
Spacecraft Systems Engineering:
Spacecraft systems engineering
Project lifecycles
Space project management
Assembly, integration and verification
Concurrent Spacecraft Design:
Design methods
Concurrent design
Design optimisation methods
Standards and Regulatory Aspects:
Standards (ECSS, ISO)
Regulatory aspects, including legal aspects
Seminars:
Examples from industry
Group project:
In-class project focusing on a spacecraft design problem
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
Lectures, including PowerPoint and video presentations
Discussions
Seminars, including speakers from industry (subject to their availability)
Limited, in-class project activity with supervision
Learning activities include:
Directed reading
Discussions focused on challenging topics
Individual and group work
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Project supervision | 6 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Wider reading or practice | 64 |
| Seminar | 6 |
| Completion of assessment task | 4 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| 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 Group project presentationSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 30% |
| Final Assessment | 70% |
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