Spacecraft Propulsion

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

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

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

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.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External