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Spacecraft Engineering

This component provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Spacecraft Engineering, focusing on the fundamental concepts of satellite systems and their operations. It will cover the different classes of satellites, with a special emphasis on nanosatellites and small satellites, which are becoming increasingly relevant in modern space missions due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. Students will also explore the key subsystems of a satellite, how they function, and how they integrate into the broader satellite system to achieve mission success.

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A major part of this module will focus on end-to-end space mission planning, where students will learn about the entire lifecycle of a satellite mission, from initial concept to launch, operations, and decommissioning. By studying real-world case studies and engaging in hands-on systems design projects, students will gain practical insights into the field of space engineering.

Applications in the Real World

Nanosatellites for Earth Observation

Small satellites are widely used for remote sensing, gathering environmental data, and monitoring climate change.

Scientific Research and Space Exploration

Nanosatellites carry out experiments and gather data for scientific research, often serving as secondary payloads on larger missions.

Telecommunications and Global Connectivity

Small satellite constellations like Starlink use numerous small satellites to provide global internet coverage, especially in remote areas.

Commercial Space Ventures

The growing commercial space industry relies on small satellite systems for telecommunications, Earth observation, and IoT services.

High-Level Curriculum

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1. Introduction to Satellite Systems:

  • Overview of satellite classifications: small, nano, and traditional large satellites.

  • Satellite system architecture: payload, bus, and subsystems.

2. Classes of Satellites:

  • Understanding nanosatellites and small satellites, their capabilities, and limitations.

  • Case study: Examining a successful nanosatellite mission (e.g., CubeSat mission).

3. Satellite Subsystems

  • Power Subsystem: Solar panels, batteries, and power management.

  • Communication Subsystem: Antennas, transmitters, and ground station communication.

  • Attitude Control: Maintaining satellite orientation using sensors and actuators.

  • Thermal Control: Managing the temperature of satellite components in space.

  • Propulsion Subsystem: Understanding how satellites maneuver in orbit.

  • Onboard Computers: Data processing and decision-making in space.

4. End-to-End Space Mission Planning:

  • Phases of a space mission: conceptualization, design, testing, launch, operations, and decommissioning.

  • Launch and deployment options for small satellites.

  • Ground station operations and satellite communications.

5. Systems Design and Engineering in Space:

  • Integration of satellite subsystems into a working spacecraft.

  • Concept of Operations (ConOps): Defining how a satellite is intended to operate throughout its mission.

  • Hands-on project: Designing a concept for a small satellite mission, from the initial idea to its final operation.

6. Case Studies

  • Examination of key space missions involving small satellites.

  • Lessons learned from real-world nanosatellite projects (e.g., CSA and NASA CubeSats, Earth observation satellites).

7. Emerging Trends in Spacecraft Engineering:

  • The future of satellite constellations, swarm satellites, and their role in space exploration and telecommunications.

Ready to begin your voyage?

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