Module Details

Module Code: ENGR H3603
Module Title: Introduction to Space Engineering
Title: Introduction to Space Engineering
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Edmond Tobin
Domains:  
Module Description: This module aims to provide an introductory understanding of space engineering. Introduction to space propulsion: chemical, electric propulsion and advanced propulsion concepts. Space standards and current space industrial trends and practice.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate knowledge of space environment, planets, celestial bodies of interest.
LO2 Analyse recent mission design elements and basic orbital maneuvers.
LO3 Evaluate the elements of satellite and spacecraft and applications of small satellites.
LO4 Describe the elements of space propulsion from launch systems to deep space propulsion and perform basic calculations.
LO5 Review various Space Standards, current space industry trends and practices.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Space Environment & Celestial Bodies
Aspect of Space Environment, Challenges for space mission and human flights. Near Earth Environment, Solar System, Interstellar and Intergalactic Space Environment. International Space Station (ISS), Near Earth Asteroid, Earth-Moon System, Earth Sun System, Planets of Interest, Issues of Orbital Debris
Mission Design Concepts
Types of space missions and their objectives. Fundamental laws of orbital mechanics, Terminology and Orbit Types: Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Low-earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Polar orbit and Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO),Transfer orbits and geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), Concepts of Orbital Maneuvers and Transfers, Orbital Rendezvous, Interplanetary Missions, Launch, Entry Descent Landing Concepts.
Elements of Spacecrafts
Anatomy of Spacecraft, systems approach to spacecraft and payload design, key design drivers and payload requirements. Attitude Determination and Control systems, Thermal control systems and subsystem design, Command and Data System, Telecommunications
Space Propulsion
Overview of spacecraft propulsion, Rocket Propulsion, Electric Propulsion Systems and performance evaluation. Spacecraft power subsystem, battery and solar array cells and sizing of a power subsystem, Brief on Advanced Space Propulsion Concepts: Laser, Microwave Propulsion, Solar Sail.
Space Industry Standards
Overview of emerging space industry trends, Small-satellite Trends and applications. Various European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) and International Standard Organization (ISO) and other standards applicable to Space Industry, Space Law Treaties and Principles
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Practical30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will complete a test covering Learning Outcomes 1 to 3.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Projects will be assigned and weekly progress will be monitored throughout the module.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Final Project report and presentation will be evaluated near the end of term.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
A formal written exam where students will be required to perform calculations and answer descriptive questions.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact In class lectures. 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Lab/Lecture Contact Projects will be assigned and weekly progress will be monitored, End-of-semester Report and Presentation will be required 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Non Contact Students will be expected to review notes, read and gain broad knowledge from reference books for assigned project on weekly bases, in preparation of report and presentation. 15 Weeks per Stage 5.13 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Mark Davies. (2003), The Standard Handbook for Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, p.2000, [ISBN: 9780071362290].
  • Charles D. Brown. (2002), Elements of Spacecraft Design, Amer Inst of Aeronautics &, [ISBN: 9781563475245].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • George P. Sutton,Oscar Biblarz. (2016), Rocket Propulsion Elements, John Wiley & Sons, p.792, [ISBN: 1118753658].
  • Richard H. Battin. (1999), An Introduction to the Mathematics and Methods of Astrodynamics, Aiaa, p.799, [ISBN: 1563473429].
  • Jerry Jon Sellers,William J. Astore,Anita Shute. (1994), Understanding Space, AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics), p.655, [ISBN: 0070570272].
  • Wiley J. Larson,James Richard Wertz,Brian D'Souza. (1999), Space Mission Analysis and Design, 3rd. [ISBN: 1881883108].
  • Steven R. Hirshorn. Revision to the NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, Rev 2. [ISBN: SP-2016-6105].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: