Advanced Astronautics

Learning Outcomes

Engineering analysis

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex astronautics problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. (M3)
• Select and critically evaluate technical literature, international standards, and other sources of information to solve complex astronautics problems. (M4)
• Formulate and analyse complex problems in Astronautics to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. (M2)

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• You will learn what requirements, norms, standards and best practices govern space system design in industry, including post-mission disposal design, supply chain regulations, and planetary protection requirements.
• You will learn how to develop the restricted two-body problem approximation from first principles, derive properties of elliptic and hyperbolic orbits, learn about celestial reference frames and time measurement, and Kepler's equation to calculate time along Keplerian orbits. You will then apply these techniques to mission design, including ground coverage, round trip time, and post-mission disposal manoeuvres.
• You will learn how to size complex power sub-systems including solar panels, and perform steady-state thermal analysis at system level.

Economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Evaluate the environmental, ethical, and societal impact of solutions to space missions (including the design and disposal of a spacecraft) and minimise adverse impacts. (M7)
• Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct. (M8)
• Contribute to identifying, evaluating and mitigating risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with different classes of space missions. (M9)

Science and Mathematics

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering principles to the solution of complex astronautics problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of Astronautics and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of Aerospace engineering. (M1)

Orbital Mechanics

* Keplerian Orbits

* Dates, Time & Reference frames

* Time dependence

* Mission Design Example

Space Sustainability

* Regulations, Norms, Industry Best Practices

* Disposal Design

Advanced S/C Subsystem

* Power system design

* Solar panel sizing

* Thermal network modelling

Teaching and learning methods

Contact hours (36h):

* live lectures delivered in person (main teaching)

* supporting pre-recorded material

* tutorial drop-in sessions

* revision lectures

* guest lectures

independent study (114h):

* lecture preparation/revision

* online end-of-chapter quizzes

* problem sheets

* additional reading

* revision

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Howard D. Curtis. Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students.

Assessment strategy

Continuous assessment throughout the module in form of quizzes provides ongoing feedback to you about your learning progress, supporting you in planning your self-learning.

The final exam covers all material delivered in the module.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External