| Hi, you are logged in as , if you are not , please click hereYou are shopping as , if this is not your email, please click hereInfo Location Contact More Info More InformationThe lectures cover the following topics: - Spacecraft System Systems: The overall systems approach to spacecraft design is discussed. This includes the requirements, the design drivers and the mission objectives. Different designs of spacecraft are illustrated by a number of sliders.
- The Space Environment: These lectures cover environmental aspects imposed upon the spacecraft/payload by the processes of manufacture and launch, and by on-orbit effects induced by the presence of the spacecraft itself; for example 'glow', AO erosion and orbital debris.
- Celestial Mechanics: This lecture discusses the perturbation effects imposed upon an Earth-orbiting spacecraft. The main influences of gravity anomalies, aerodynamic forces, third-body gravitational forces and solar radiation pressure are covered.
- Mission Analysis: The fundamentals of launch vehicles are described in terms of performance and an overview is given of various different types of launch vehicles from the user point of view. A number of future developments are described.
- Attitude Control: After discussion of some of the laws of dynamics applicable to spacecraft, the different types of spacecraft attitude stabilisation are considered. Internal and external torques are defined and demonstrated with the use of a bicycle wheel.
- Propulsion: The basics of chemical and electric propulsion are given. These are followed by a number of examples of secondary propulsion systems used on spacecraft.
- Electrical Power Raising and Supply: The elements that make up a spacecraft power subsystem are considered and illustrated with a large number of spacecraft examples. Battery and solar array cells are considered in detail and the sizing of a power subsystem is demonstrated.
- Thermal Control: This lecture includes the basics of thermal control in space, passive and active systems, thermal mathematical models and the interfaces with the thermal control subsystem.
- Spacecraft Structures: The importance of material selection in structure design is emphasised. Stresses and fracture mechanics are discussed and the structure design philosophy is outlined.
- On-board Data Handling: European regulations regarding data handling are outlined and various protocols described. On board processing, packet telemetry and coding are included.
- Software: All aspects of software onboard and on the ground are considered. Many examples and simulations are provided.
- Telecommunications: Key spacecraft design drivers in the telecommunications subsystems are discussed. This includes the antenna, power requirements and the RF interference. Other important considerations that effect the overall system are the frequency band available, the modulation, polarisation and the multiplexing.
- Ground Control: Both the control and operation of the spacecraft from the ground are considered. This includes the hardware, software and people required. ERS-1 is considered in detail and future developments are examined.
- Assembly, Integration and Test: The procedure adopted for assembling, integrating and testing a spacecraft are described. Examples are given of different types of spacecraft.
- Product Assurance: is the identification and control of failure, hazards and degradation in the design and manufacturing process. The lecture therefore covers reliability, quality, safety, configuration control or parts, materials and processes evaluation.
- Mechanisms: Guidelines for designing mechanisms are proposed and illustrated with several examples based on the lecturer's ESTEC experience. Materials and lubricants are discussed in detail.
Practical Aspects The course begins with registration and a welcome buffet Sunday 6th July 2025 and an evening meal 10th July 2025. Lectures take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton. All attendees receive a comprehensive set of notes and a copy of the textbook ‘Spacecraft Systems Engineering’ edited by Stark, Fortescue and Swinerd. En-suite Bed and Breakfast accommodation will also be provided at the DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton from the Sunday evening to the Friday morning. Evening meals will be provided at the hotel Monday to Wednesday. The Astronautics Group has established itself as a leading centre for the training of engineers in the space industry. Our courses have been running for 50 years and we are an IEEE/Registered Provider of Continuing Professional Development. |
