The module descriptors for this programme can be found below.

Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this programme is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Spacecraft Systems S6

Module aims

This module presents an industry standard methodology for spacecraft systems analysis and design. The main concepts covered in this course include the mission objectives: requirements analysis, political and regulatory constraints and financial considerations; the system as a whole: the launch vehicle/launch environment, spacecraft platform and ground segment; and the subsystem requirements: thermal, structure, power, electronics, communications and attitude control.

Learning outcomes

The module will be delivered primarily through large-class lectures introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological. The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualizer.

Learning will be reinforced through tutorial question sheets.

Module syllabus

Mission Objectives:
• Requirements
• Political and regulatory constraints
• Financial constraints
 
Complete System:
• Launch vehicle
• Spacecraft
• Ground segment
 
Subsystem requirements:
• Thermal
• Structure
• Power Electronics
• Communication systems
• Guidance, Navigation and Control
 

Teaching methods

The module will be delivered primarily through large-class lectures introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological. The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualizer.
Learning will be reinforced through tutorial question sheets.

Assessments

This module presents opportunities for both formative and summative assessment.
You will be formatively assessed through progress tests and tutorial sessions.
You will have additional opportunities to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets.
You will be summatively assessed by a written closed-book examination at the end of the module.
Assessment type Assessment description Weighting Pass mark
Examination Closed-book written examination 100% 50%

Through completion of tutorial exercises you will receive instant feedback on your performance, while simultaneously receiving instruction on the correct solution to the problem.

Further individual feedback is available on request via this module’s online feedback forum, staff office hours and discussions with tutors.
Feedback will be provided on examinations in the form of an exam feedback report on the performance of the entire cohort.

Module leaders

Dr Aaron Knoll