Module Title:Introduction to Space Engineering
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:7
Module Delivered In 1 programme(s)
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 Assessment10.00%
Practical30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%
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
No Project
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

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_EEAER_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering 5 Mandatory