Spacecraft Propulsion

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Design a chemical propulsion system for a particular scenario, and evaluate the design
• Describe types of chemical propulsion systems, and evaluate their use for various different scenarios.
• Design an electric propulsion system for a particular scenario, and evaluate the design experimentally.
• Evaluate the factors that limit the performance of these different propellant feed systems
• Appreciate the suitability of a given propulsion system for a particular space application
• Evaluate the factors that limit the performance of these different propellant feed systems
• Analyse he design and operational behaviour of various types of spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Describe types of electric propulsion systems, and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.
• Appreciate the different propellant feed system options for both chemical and electric propulsion systems, and their similarities/differences.

Introduction:

• Overview of spacecraft propulsion;
• Mass and energy sources for space engines;
• Basic theory of thermal jet/rocket engines

Chemical propulsion:

• Liquid propellant rocket engines;
• Solid propellant rocket engines;
• Nuclear rocket engines

Electric propulsion:

• EP basics and classification;
• EP with electromagnetic acceleration;
• EP with electrostatic acceleration;
• EP subsystem components

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, Workshops and Laboratory demonstration

Summative

Summative assessment description

Referral

Referral assessment description

Repeat

Repeat assessment description

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External