Module Title: | Introduction to Space Engineering |
Language of Instruction: | English |
Teaching & Learning Strategies: |
The module will be delivered with a blend of lectures and problem-solving sessions. Students will perform practical project activity for assigned tasks. |
Module Aim: |
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 should be able to: |
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. |
Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
|
No recommendations listed |
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. |
No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
|
No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. |
No requirements listed |
Module Content & Assessment
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
|
Assessment Breakdown | % |
Continuous Assessment | 10.00% |
Practical | 30.00% |
End of Module Formal Examination | 60.00% |
Continuous Assessment |
Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
Examination |
Students will complete a test covering Learning Outcomes 1 to 3. |
1,2,3 |
10.00 |
Week 6 |
Practical |
Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
Practical/Skills Evaluation |
Projects will be assigned and weekly progress will be monitored throughout the module. |
1,2,3,4,5 |
20.00 |
Every Week |
Practical/Skills Evaluation |
Final Project report and presentation will be evaluated near the end of term. |
1,2,3,4,5 |
10.00 |
End-of-Semester |
End of Module Formal Examination |
Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
Formal Exam |
A formal written exam where students will be required to perform calculations and answer descriptive questions. |
1,2,3,4,5 |
60.00 |
End-of-Semester |
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
Workload: Full Time |
Workload Type |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Lecture |
12 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
Lab/Lecture |
12 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
Independent Learning |
15 Weeks per Stage |
5.13 |
Total Hours |
125.00 |
Module Delivered In
|