Program Overview
Module Overview
The SPACE SYSTEM DESIGN module is a key component for students interested in becoming space systems engineers or working in a related field. It introduces students to the principles and techniques of spacecraft systems design through real-world examples. The module is designed for students with a good background in physics, including forces and motion, heat and light, and electricity and magnetism.
Module Purpose
The module aims to provide students with an introduction to the design and construction of spacecraft, showing how the mission and the space environment constrain the engineering. It forms a core part of the MSc program in Space Engineering and builds upon the Year 2 material in module EEE2043 Space Engineering & Mission Design.
Module Content
The module covers various topics, including:
- Designing for Space: Elements of a space mission, physical environments of spacecraft manufacture, launching, and space, and their impact on spacecraft system design.
- Getting into Space: Basic principles of the rocket, rocket equation, specific impulse, choice of propellant, effect of launch site location, and launch window.
- Mechanical Design: Launch vehicle interface, frameworks and structures, stress analysis, loads and stiffness, elastic instabilities, vibration, materials selection, structural analysis, and verification.
- Thermal Design: Temperature limits, thermal sources and heat transport mechanisms in space, thermal balance, thermal modeling, and thermal control elements.
- Mechanisms and Optics: Bearings and lubrication, flexures, flexure hinges and tape booms, electric motors and drives, pyrotechnics and one-shot devices, and optical materials and mountings.
- Attitude & Orbit Control Systems: Attitude determination control and stabilization systems, body dynamics, attitude determination sensors, and attitude control system technologies.
- Power Systems: Power generation, power storage, power regulation and monitoring, and energy budgets and efficiencies.
- TT &C, RF and OBDH Systems: Telemetry, tracking and command systems, space and ground segments, tracking schemes, and on-board data handling schemes and standards.
- Manufacture and AIT, Operation and Disposal: PA/QA, reliability issues, manufacture process, testing, and operation and disposal.
Module Provider and Leader
The module is provided by the Computer Science and Electronic Engineering department, and the module leader is LIM Sungwoo (CS & EE).
Number of Credits and ECTS Credits
The module is worth 15 credits, with 7.5 ECTS credits.
Framework and Module Cap
The module is part of the FHEQ Level 6 framework, and there is no maximum number of students (N/A).
Overall Student Workload
The overall student workload includes:
- Independent Learning Hours: 88
- Lecture Hours: 11
- Tutorial Hours: 11
- Guided Learning: 10
- Captured Content: 30
Module Availability and Prerequisites
The module is available in Semester 1, and there are no prerequisites or co-requisites.
Assessment Pattern and Strategy
The assessment pattern consists of a 2-hour open-book exam, which accounts for 100% of the module mark. The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning outcomes, including knowledge and understanding of spacecraft systems design, engineering tools, and approaches to problems.
Learning Outcomes
The module has three learning outcomes:
- Knowledge and understanding of the physical and mathematical principles underpinning the design and engineering of spacecraft.
- Knowledge and understanding of the engineering tools and approaches to problems of space system design.
- Ability to select appropriate technical solutions for spacecraft sub-systems for a variety of space mission scenarios.
Methods of Teaching and Learning
The learning and teaching strategy includes lectures, tutorials, guided study of example problems, independent study, and self-assessment questions. The module also covers digital capabilities, employability, resourcefulness, and resilience.
Programmes this Module Appears In
The module appears in the Electronic Engineering (by short course) MSc program, and it is an optional module in Semester 1. A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.