Spacecraft Propulsion

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Appreciate the different propellant feed system options for both chemical and electric propulsion systems, and their similarities/differences.
• Describe types of chemical propulsion systems, and evaluate their use for various different scenarios.
• Analyse he design and operational behaviour of various types of spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Evaluate the factors that limit the performance of these different propellant feed systems
• Appreciate the suitability of a given propulsion system for a particular space application
• Describe types of electric propulsion systems, and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.
• Design an electric propulsion system for a particular scenario, and evaluate the design experimentally.
• Design a chemical propulsion system for a particular scenario, and evaluate the design
• Evaluate the factors that limit the performance of these different propellant feed systems

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• C1/M1 Apply comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft propulsion, at the forefront of current engineering understanding and develop a critical awareness of different space propulsion techniques C2/M2 Analyse complex propulsion systems using fundamental equations to evaluate their performance. Apply engineering judgement to evaluate which propulsion system is most suited for particular scenario. C4/M4 Utilise available literature to evaluate performance of propulsion systems and their applications. C12/M12 Investigate the complex operation of a Hall thruster through an experimental laboratory, and evaluate its operation in laboratory report. C13/M13 Select appropriate propulsion systems for particular applications, understanding their limitations. C15/M15 Understand propulsion systems in the context of commercial interests.

Introduction:

• Overview of spacecraft propulsion;
• Mass and energy sources for space engines;
• Basic theory of thermal jet/rocket engines

Chemical propulsion:

• Liquid propellant rocket engines;
• Solid propellant rocket engines;
• Nuclear rocket engines

Electric propulsion:

• EP basics and classification;
• EP with electromagnetic acceleration;
• EP with electrostatic acceleration;
• EP subsystem components

Lectures, Workshops and Laboratory demonstration

Summative

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

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.