Ase Course Summary

8/8/2019 Ase Course Summary

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School of Engineering 1

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

COURSE SUMMARY

MSc Astronautics and Space Engineering(Standard Programme)

Course Director: Dr. Peter Roberts


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LIST OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................4COURSE STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................6

Course Texts .....................................................................................................................6Lecture Modules ................................................................................................................6

Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis..............................................................................8Classical Control ............................................................................................................8Design and Analysis of Composite Structures................................................................8Earth Observation and the Environment.........................................................................8Environmental Control and Life Support Systems...........................................................9Finite Element Methods (with NASTRAN/PATRAN Workshops) ........... .........................9GPS & INS .....................................................................................................................9Impact Dynamics and Spacecraft Protection ................................................................10Industrial Case Studies.................................................................................................10Introduction to Aerospace Structures............................................................................10Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) .............................................................10Launch and Re-Entry Aerodynamics .............................. ..............................................11Modelling of Dynamic Systems.....................................................................................11Multivariable Control for Aerospace Applications..........................................................11Payload Engineering and Instrumentation ....................................................................11Research and Communication Skills .............................. ..............................................12Satellite Tool Kit Workshop...........................................................................................12

Sensors and Data Fusion .............................................................................................12Space Communications................................................................................................12Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control ...................................................................13Spacecraft Data Handling and Software Development.................................................13Space Environment ......................................................................................................13Space Propulsion .........................................................................................................13Space Systems Engineering.........................................................................................14Structural Dynamics .....................................................................................................14Structural Mechanics....................................................................................................14Thermal Analysis and Design Software ................................................. .......................15

Group Design Project.......................................................................................................16Individual Research Project .............................................................................................16


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INTRODUCTIONThis document provides an overview of the academic content and structure of the MSc inAstronautics and Space Engineering at Cranfield University. Detailed syllabus informationbeyond that provided here is issued to registered students and is not generally availableoutside the University.

The course structure is based on that taught in the academic year 2008/09 and is liable tochange.

The aim of the MSc course in Astronautics and Space Engineering is to equip students withgood first degrees (or equivalent) in engineering, mathematics or physical science with theknowledge, understanding and skills required to enable them to contribute to the Europeanspace industry, to space-related research within academia, or to the work of a range ofrelated industries. To industry it provides high quality potential employees.

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

demonstrate a systematic knowledge and critical evaluation of the key principles of themain spacecraft disciplines (propulsion, orbits, communications, structure, data handling,etc.) and be competent to analyse performance quantitatively

demonstrate the ability to critically analyse systems engineering applied to spacemissions

demonstrate a critical judgement of their specialist subject area(s) at a level appropriateto new recruits to the space industry such that they are able to contribute directly withoutsignificant further training

demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the organisation of the space industry andtypical space projects

be able to apply their knowledge and understanding practically to the design andanalysis of space systems

You will also be able to:

write a technical report to communicate their work clearly to others

give an oral presentation to describe the execution and results of a technical project

plan, execute and manage a small research project

work effectively as a member of a team on a technical project

undertake independent study and research


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Several different modes of study are possible, although the vast majority of students choosethe standard full-time version including the lecture modules, group design project andindividual research thesis. The following table summarises the possible modes of study.Please note the extended thesis option is only generally available to candidates who alreadyhave industrial experience of group projects.

Mode Full-time (1 yr) Part-time (2-5 yr)

Standard Lecture modules (25%)

Group design project (30%)Individual research project (45%)

Not available

Extendedthesis

Lecture modules (25%)Individual research project (75%)

Lecture modules (25%)Individual research project (75%)

Possible modes of study for the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering.

The following sections give an overview of the different parts of the MSc course.

The course is also available as part of several double degree programmes includingErasmus Mundus (SpaceMaster and EUMAS).


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COURSE STRUCTURE

The course has three main components, the lecture courses, the group design project, andthe individual research project. A typical MSc student is expected to require 2000 hours workto complete the course fully. This corresponds to 46 weeks full-time work (43 hours perweek). The lectures and group design project run in parallel from October to March. Theindividual research project is a full-time activity for the rest of the course.

The curriculum is designed to cover a broad range of space system engineering subjects.This is necessary because a system understanding requires familiarity with a wide range ofsubjects. This also allows students from a wide range of backgrounds to benefit from thecourse and to develop their abilities within it.

The courses given are based on available staff effort, with an emphasis on areas ofparticular strength at Cranfield. Staff teaching is informed by the current research work of theCollege. Deliberate use is made of external lecturers to teach areas outside the competenceof available university staff, to bring students into contact with practising spaceprofessionals, and to maintain currency of the material taught.

Course Texts

The two course texts are available to all students:1. Space Mission Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition, Wertz, J.R., and Larson, W.J.,

(eds.), (Microcosm Inc. and Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1999, ISBN 1-881883-10-8)

2. Spacecraft Systems Engineering (3rd edition), edited by Fortescue, Stark andSwinerd (John Wiley, 2003, ISBN 0-471-61951-5).

Lecture ModulesThe diagram on the next page illustrates the organisation of the lecture modules, showingthe core and option modules as well as the examined subjects. Students take all coresubjects plus a selection of options (at least two examined modules plus other specialist

modules).

The sections on the following pages give brief details of all the lecture modules, listedalphabetically (detailed syllabus information is not generally available outside the universityand may change from year to year).


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Lecture modules of the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering. Assessed modules are in boldand have a heavy border.

MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering - standard course (2008-2009)

SystemsEngineering

Propulsion,Launch

Vehicles andManned

Guidance,Navigationand Control

ElectricalSubsystems

MechnicalSubsystems

Applications Management

Core SpaceSystems

Engineering

SpacePropulsion

Modelling ofDynamicSystems

SpaceComms

Introduction toAerospaceStructures

SpaceEnvironment

ResearchSkills

(20) (20) (10) (10) (10) (10) (5)

Astrodynamicsand Mission

Analysis

Launch andReentry

Aerodynamics

On BoardData

Handling

PayloadEngineering

andInstrumentation

(10) (10) (5) (10)

EnvironmentalControl andLife Support

SoftwareDevelopment

EarthObservation

and theEnvironment

(5) (5) (10)

Options Introduction toSpacecraftOperations

ClassicalControl

StructuralMechanics

(30) (20) (10)

SpacecraftAttitude

Dynamicsand Control

Finite ElementMethods

(20) (20)

MultivariableControl forAerospace

Applications

ImpactDynamics and

SpacecraftProtection

(20) (10)

"Sensorsand Data

Fusion" and"GPS/INS"

StructuralDynamics

(20) (20)

Design andAnalysis ofCompositeStructures

(20)

Software Satellite Tool Kit Nastran / Patran

(10) (10)

Introduction toCAD (CATIA)

Matlab /Simlulink

ThermalAnalysis

(ESATAN /ESARAD)

(10) (Workshops) (10)

Key: Module name

(number oflecture hours)


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Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis

Module Aim:To provide an understanding of the basic principles of Astrodynamics and of their applicationto typical mission analysis problems.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should: understand the elementary motions of natural and artificial satellites. be able to carry out orbit calculations for a range of practical problems. be able to design orbital manoeuvres to achieve required objectives

Classical Control

Module Aim:To provide knowledge of the fundamentals of control engineering for the analysis and designof control systems in aerospace applications.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- Understand the stability, characteristics and behaviour of single-input single-output

feedback control systems Design compensators for single-input single-output systems use modern PC-based CAD software as an aid in the solution of control engineering

problems and design of control systems using classical methods Be aware of the advantages and limitations of feedback and understand the

importance of robustness

Design and Analysis of Composite Structures

Module Aim:To introduce the composite materials, manufacturing techniques and analysis methods forthe design of aerospace composite structures.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should be able to apply his/her knowledge to thepractical design aspects of composite for aerospace structures, in particular: understand the key features and particular properties of composite materials,

especially fibre reinforced plastics (FRP); be aware of the manufacturing techniques for aerospace composite structures; be aware of the analytical methods for moisture and thermal effects on a FRP

laminate; be familiar with the analytical methods for buckling behaviour of laminate plates and

sandwich panels; be familiar with the methods for stiffness and stress analysis of a FRP laminate; be familiar with the methods for stress analysis of laminated composite structures with

open and closed sections subjected to various loadings.

Earth Observation and the Environment

Module Aim:To give engineering/physical science students an appreciation of the key currentenvironmental issues and of the role of space systems in tackling these issues.


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Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- understand the description of the earth's environment as a system, and its key

components and their interactions. be aware of significant environmental issues relevant to earth observation. be familiar with applications of earth observation across a range of sectors. be able to relate earth observation measurands to geophysical parameters and

significant environmental issues. understand the main issues relating to climate change.

Environmental Control and Life Support Systems

Module Aim:To provide an introduction to the requirements for and principles of Environmental Controland Life Support Systems (ECLSS) for space vehicles.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- be aware of the basic purpose and functions of ECLSS understand the environmental requirements of the human body and how space travel

can affect these. understand the basic effects of failing to meet the bodies environmental requirements be aware of what information is necessary to define the design requirements for an

ECLSS of a particular vehicle. understand the range of possible principles which are available for use in systems to

perform the major functions of ECLSS with their advantages and disadvantages. be aware of which principles for ECLSS have been, continue to be and are likely to be

used in the future with the reasons for changes.

Finite Element Methods (with NASTRAN/PATRAN Workshops)

Module Aim:To give the student a grounding in the theory underlying the Finite Element Analysis

technique

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the students should be able to: have an understanding of the key theoretical concepts underlying the Finite Elements

Method be aware of the computational tools implementing the Finite Element Method be able to apply standard computational tools to simple structural design problems

(this requires attendance at the associated PATRAN/NASTRAN workshop course)

GPS & INS

Module Aim:The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the principles of aerospace navigationsystems based on inertial sensors and satellite navigation.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the students should be able to: understand the roles of inertial and satellite navigation in aerospace


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understand inertial navigation principles, error sources, and aerospace applications understand satellite navigation principles, error sources, applications and key issues

Impact Dynamics and Spacecraft Protection

Module Aim:To provide an overview of the risk to spacecraft from hypervelocity impacts and the designoptions available to minimise the risk.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- understand the types of risk to spacecraft from hypervelocity impacts. understand the design methods to minimise the risk from impact.

Industrial Case Studies

Module Aim:To illustrate current industry practice in the areas taught in the MSc course using real projecthistories presented by space industry professionals.

Learning outcomes.

On completion of this module the student should :- appreciate the range of skills required and disciplines covered by the space industry. be aware of some space project life histories. understand the contribution of different disciplines to the execution of space projects.

Introduction to Aerospace Structures

Module Aim:Toprovide an introduction to structural design, particularly for spacecraft, for students withlittle previous experience of structural engineering.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- understand the role of the spacecraft structure and its typical operating environment. be familiar with the response of materials and structures to applied loads.

Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Module Aim:To give students an understanding of Computer Aided Design and to give students handson experience using EDS I-DEAS a leading CAD/CAM/CAE system.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- understand what computer aided design is and its role in the design process have an appreciation of other computer aided engineering tools and how they can be

integrated with CAD understand the different techniques which can be used to create CAD models and be

able to select the appropriate modelling technique for a given product. have an appreciation of how CAD is implemented in industry be able to use I-DEAS to create simple solid and assembly models


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Launch and Re-Entry Aerodynamics

Module Aim:To give students with a background in physical science or general engineering anappreciation of the principal aerodynamic factors affecting the design of spacecraft andlaunch vehicles.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- have gained an appreciation of the principal aerodynamic design issues for the launch

and descent / re-entry phases of a space mission. appreciate the significant features of the dynamic response of a structure.

Modelling of Dynamic Systems

Module Aim:To provide an understanding of the mathematical techniques that underpin both classicaland modern control law design.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- Use Laplace transform techniques to derive transfer functions of typical mechanical,

electrical and fluid systems. Calculate and plot the step response of typical systems. Derive the state equations for typical systems Use MatLab for matrix algebra and to plot system responses.

Multivariable Control for Aerospace Applications

Module Aim:To provide a knowledge of modern control techniques for the analysis and design of

multivariable aerospace control systems.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- be able to analyse the stability, robustness and performance of multivariable

aerospace control systems, be able to design optimal control systems using state variable techniques using

MATLAB, have an appreciation of the advantages and limitations of optimal control.

Payload Engineering and Instrumentation

Module Aim:

To summarise the principal payload design issues and their relation to space missiondesign, with particular relevance to Earth observation payloads.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- understand how to translate user requirements into quantitative engineering

specifications.


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understand the impact of the space environment on payload design. be familiar with typical payload designs for a range of earth observation applications. understand the various figures of merit used to characterise sensor / detector

performance. be able to calculate outline signal to noise budgets for a general passive imaging

sensor. appreciate the processes required to convert sensor measurements into valid user

information.

Research and Communication Skills

Module Aim:Students need to understand some of the basic skills required in research, which are (1) tochoose and plan research projects effectively, (2) to be able to write reports that get used,and (3) to present their work orally.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- understand how effective research projects are structured and be familiar with related

terminology understand how typical technical reports and other documents are written to make

them useful be aware of the standards expected of written course work submitted for assessment be aware of some of the factors influencing the success of a spoken presentation

Satellite Tool Kit Workshop

Module Aim:To provide a basic level of training in the use of the Satellite Tool-Kit space mission designsoftware.

Learning outcomes.This course provides an introduction to enable students to use STK effectively in theirresearch and project work. The course also illustrates concepts in astrodynamics.

Sensors and Data Fusion

Module Aim:The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the principles of sensor fusion, systemintegration and error analysis and prediction.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the students should be able to: Understand the principles of error analysis in time varying systems Understand the principles of Kalman filtering Appreciate the design methods using to integrate aircraft navigation systems.

Space Communications

Module Aim:To provide an overview of data handling on-board spacecraft and of current approaches tocommunications between spacecraft and the Earth for telemetry and for spacecraftpayloads. Issues of particular relevance to system design are highlighted.


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Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- have gained an appreciation of satellite communications systems

Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control

Module Aim:

To provide an introduction to spacecraft kinematics and dynamics, focussing on rigid bodydynamics and control of Earth orbiting satellites.On completion of this module the student should :- understand the concepts of the dynamics and kinematics of rotational motion and be

able to apply them.

Spacecraft Data Handling and Software Development

Module Aim:To introduce the software development and documentation process and to develop students'skills in the use of the Excel spreadsheet program.

Learning outcomes.

On completion of this module the student should :- have basic skills for using excel, and be able to write simple functions to extend its

capability. understand the software development model used by ESA. understand the role and outline content of the documentation. be aware of course requirements for software or program results submitted for

assessment.

Space Environment

Module Aim:To describe the near-Earth space environment, with particular reference to its impact on

spacecraft design and space systems.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- understand the key physical parameters of the near-earth space environment. appreciate the ways in which the space environment affects spacecraft design and

space systems.

Space Propulsion

Module Aim:To provide an understanding of the thermofluid dynamic concepts underlying rocket and air-breathing space propulsion and of their implications for launch vehicle and spacecraft

system performance and design.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- understand the constraints imposed by launch vehicle performance & operation on

mission analysis.


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be able to perform preliminary mission design studies which accommodate thecapabilities of the major launch systems currently available.

be able to use one-dimensional gas dynamic relationships to perform initial propulsionsystem design point and off-design calculations.

be familiar with the principal options for propulsion system design in relation to bothboosters and secondary spacecraft propulsion, and to be able to assess critically theirrelative strengths in a range of mission applications.

understand the determining factors in high speed flows which constrain the applicationof air-breathing propulsion to space launcher applications and the current responses to

the technical challenges posed.

Space Systems Engineering

Module Aim:To demonstrate how to develop the design of a space system, from a clean sheet of paper,through logical progression from defined user requirements.

Learning outcomes.At the end of this module, which leads into the group design project, students should knowhow to structure a spacecraft design and development programme through: establishing mission requirements

characterising the mission and identifying optional solutions evaluating the performance of options by means of a trade-off analysis defining system engineering requirements establishing a baseline system definition outlining a programme plan to verify the system performanceStudents should also have reached a suitably broad level of space systems knowledge,which can then be followed up by specialist courses in individual subsystem areas.

Structural Dynamics

Module Aim:To provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of structural vibration anddynamics, and an understanding of finite element analysis of dynamics and vibration.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- demonstrate the ability to analyse simple structures using hand calculation. demonstrate an understanding of how inertial and dynamic terms are included in finite

element theory. appreciate the difference between explicit and implicit methods. demonstrate the ability to perform dynamic FE analyses of simple structures.

Structural Mechanics

Module Aim:

To provide students with a fundamental knowledge and understanding of structuralmechanics and thin walled structures.

Learning outcomes.On completion of this module the student should :- effectively use basic structural elements to design structures to meet design

requirements.


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demonstrate the ability to analyse simple structures using hand calculation. understand load paths in structures and demonstrate a knowledge of thin walled

structural behaviour. calculate the stresses within a thin-walled structural component.

Thermal Analysis and Design Software

Module Aim:

To provide a basic level of training in the use of thermal analysis and design software.


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Group Design Project

The group design project is an important part of the course in Astronautics and SpaceEngineering. It enables students to experience the application of their specialist skills to acollaborative interdisciplinary project and is a valuable learning experience. Subjects for theproject are chosen to give students scope for developing their abilities and are usuallyrelevant to current or anticipated interests of the space industry and may thus have direct

relevance to the careers of graduates of the course.

The group project runs in parallel with the lecture modules from October to March and endswith a final presentation to an invited audience of industry contacts, the course examiners,and staff. An individual report is written by each student to document their contribution to theproject. The project tasks are usually shared between sub-groups with responsibility forareas such as mechanical design, payload, etc. and students perform most of their detailedwork within their sub-group.

Examples of recent projects are: Nanosatellite design

Titan Explorer Mission European Data Relay Satellite

On-orbit servicing demonstrator ESAs 2nd Young Engineers Satellite (YES2)

Individual Research Project

The individual research thesis is the largest single component of the course being equivalentto some 900 hours of study. It allows students to develop their specialist skills in an area oftheir choice. A list of suggested topics is circulated in the second half of the first term. Listsof recent thesis titles are available and are a guide to the range and types of subjectsavailable.

We actively encourage projects with industrial partners, and in some cases this project workenables students to contribute directly to a company or research programme. In other casesstudents use the opportunity to pursue a long-held personal research interest. A largeproportion of the projects are undertaken in collaboration with outside organisations involvedin the space industry.

From Easter to the end of the (standard) course in September, students work full-time ontheir individual research project. Initial literature searching and background reading starts inJanuary so that a strong full-time start to the project can be made in April once the groupproject has finished.

A research supervisor is appointed for the project and the student works closely with the

supervisor during the project. The project is an opportunity to develop research skills, applyspecialist knowledge, and gain experience in project management. The research isassessed on the thesis submitted in September. Formal project presentations are made toan invited audience as for the group design project.

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