Module overview
Concurrent Space Systems Design builds on the understanding and knowledge gained from the Astronautics modules in years 2 and semester 1 in year 3. You will learn how to place those “building blocks” of space engineering into the context of a group spacecraft design project.
In the taught portion, you will learn about industrial systems engineering processes, the standards that govern space systems engineering, as well as experiment design for system validation and space systems security to make your mission cyber secure.
Parallel to that you will work in small groups to develop all relevant subsystems for a spacecraft in a mission of your own choosing following best industry practices and design principles for space systems engineering.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- You will learn how to practically carry out a concurrent design project as part of a diverse and inclusive team of engineers. This includes both the theory of industrial project management and systems engineering, as well as the practical project work to put the theory into practice.
- You will learn how to identify and mitigate security risks and make reasoned ethical decisions in the engineering process.
- You will learn to manage your project, communicate your progress effectively to different audiences, and evaluate your performance through self-reflection and peer discussion.
Engineering practice
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of spacecraft design. (M14)
- Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used. (M17)
- Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance. (M16)
- Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights. (M15)
- Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD. (M18)
Design
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply a systems approach to the solution of spacecraft design. (M6)
- Design a spacecraft that evidences some originality and meets a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards. (M5)
Economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks. (M10)
- Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct. (M8)
- Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion. (M11)
Syllabus
Chapter 1: Space Systems Engineering
Including: Industrial space systems engineering, standards, ECSS, Requirements, ED&I
Chapter 2: Space Systems Design Principles
Including: Requirement Verification, Space Systems Security
Group Project: Spacecraft Systems Design
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Contact hours (~38h):
* live lectures delivered in person (9-12 hours)
* design sessions consisting of supervised computer based design labs (24-27 hours)
* supporting pre-recorded material
Independent study (112h):
* group project work
* lecture preparation/revision
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 16 |
| Design development | 96 |
| Specialist Laboratory | 2 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK). System design software available on campus computers.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
You will be assessed through an individual component in the form of an individual report covering the taught material, as well as a group component in the form of a final presentation and a final report.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Quizzes | 20% |
| Group report | 60% |
| Group presentation | 20% |