Unit information: Space Systems in 2011/12

Unit name	Space Systems
Unit code	AENG34630
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Mr. Mark Hempsell
Open unit status	Open
Pre-requisites	Physics and Maths A Level or equivalent
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Aerospace Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This is a long standing a very popular unit (60 units in 2003/04). It provides an introduction to astronautics with an emphasis on earth satellites. It covers the typical material in such undergraduate and short course units as exemplified by the available text books on the subject - including Fortescue and Stark used by the unit as the set text.

Aims:

To provide an introductory course on spacecraft engineering.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will:

• have a basic knowledge of all spacecraft subsystems;

• be able to perform simple calculations on keplerian orbits, orbit transfers, propulsion systems, and some subsystem topics;

• be aware of the major applications, and how they are implemented in real missions.

Teaching Information

• 22 Lectures.

• 2 Example sheets (Orbits, Propulsion).

• Directed reading of set text (Fortescue and Stark) + outline printed notes.

Assessment Information

• 100% - 2 Hour examination in June.

• 1 Complusory question and 2 out of 4 other questions.

Reading and References

Spacecraft Systems Engineering, by Peter Fortescue and John Stark, 3rd edition, Wiley.