SESA6080 Concurrent Engineering Design
Module Overview
This module is a spacecraft design module, which will build on the understanding and knowledge gained from the Space Systems Engineering and Advanced Astronautics modules in part 3, as well as the modules covered in part 2. The Concurrent Spacecraft Design module will place those “building blocks” of spacecraft engineering into the context of a group spacecraft design project, with a particular emphasis on concurrent design.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- How to use good management practices for space projects
- How different roles contribute to spacecraft design projects
- How data management and simulation tools can be used to support spacecraft design
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Critically analyse alternative spacecraft design configurations and options
- Identify and apply appropriate data management and design software solutions to spacecraft design
- Design space missions using a concurrent design approach
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Work as part of a team
- Collate and prioritise information according to design objectives
- Solve problems systematically and concurrently
- Communicate design choices and justifications using written and verbal methods
Syllabus
The module will focus on the design of a small-satellite mission that will require understanding of spacecraft subsystems (knowledge coming from SESA2024 Astronautics and SESA3025/3039 Advanced Astronautics), space systems engineering and space project management (knowledge from SESA3041 Space Systems Engineering & Design). The module will comprise group work, based in a computer laboratory, to develop the spacecraft design. In addition, computer-based sessions will introduce concurrent spacecraft design software, an industrial standard design software tool for spacecraft (Systems Tool Kit) and a debris environment tool to assess the regulatory aspects of the space mission.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include: Computer labs Regular design reviews Learning activities include: Software-based tutorials Individual and group work
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 32 |
| Follow-up work | 16 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 16 |
| Specialist Laboratory | 52 |
| Wider reading or practice | 34 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Concurrent Spacecraft Design Environment. Software - Provided by the Faculty
Debris Assessment Software (DAS).
MASTER space debris environment model.
P.W. Fortescue, J.P.W. Stark and G.G. Swinerd (2011). Spacecraft Systems Engineering.
Systems Tool Kit (software). www.agi.com Provided by the Faculty
Assessment
Formative
Group Projects
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Conference paper | 40% |
| Group presentation | 20% |
| Individual report | 40% |
Repeat
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Technical report | 100% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Linked modules
Pre-requisites: SESA3039 and SESA3041