Topics Covered in this Course Include:
1. Astrodynamics and Mission Design
- Review of Elementary Astrodynamics
- Trajectory and Maneuver Design
- Low Thrust (Electric Propulsion) Trajectories
- Non-Ideal Effects
- Constellation Design Principles
- Launch Vehicle Selection Issues
- The Role of Mission Design on a Space Project Team
- Real World Examples and Case Studies
2. Theory and Practice of Spacecraft Propulsion
- Definitions of Propulsion System Performance Parameters
- Survey of Types of Propulsion Systems
- Descriptions with Mass and Power Estimates of Propulsion System Components
- Propulsion System Schematics and Equipment Lists
- Performance of Common Propulsion Systems
- Bi-Propellant Chemical Propulsion
- Cold Gas Systems
- Monopropellant Systems
- Electric Propulsion Systems
- Real World Examples and Case Studies
3. Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS)
- Definitions of ADCS Terminology and Performance Parameters
- Overview of Pointing System Functions and Approach
- Review of Types of Pointing System Sensors
- Review of Types of Pointing System Effectors
- Description of Controller Algorithms
- Review of ADCS Architectures
- Real World Examples and Case Studies
4. Space Flight Information Systems
- Definitions of Information System Terminology and Performance Parameters
- Flight Information System Hardware
- Flight Memory Systems
- Flight Processors
- Data buses and Input Output Devices
- Digital Signal Processors
- Flight Hardware Architectures
- Flight Information System Software
- Approaches to Software System Development
- Software Documentation
- Spiral versus Waterfall Development
- Theory of Object Oriented Software
- Flight Software Development Cost Estimation
- Trends in Flight Information Systems
- Real World Examples and Case Studies
5. Space Power System Technologies
- Definitions of Power System Terminology and Performance Parameters
- Overview of Power System Functional Design
- Energy Storage Technologies
- Power Generation Technologies Including Solar and Nuclear
- Power Management and Distribution Systems
- Future Trends in Power Technologies
- Lithium Batteries
- Multi-band-gap Photovoltaic (PV)
- Advanced Power Management and Distribution (PMAD)
- Real World Examples and Case Studies
6. Spacecraft Thermal Control
- Definitions of Thermal Terminology and Performance Parameters
- Overview of Thermal Functional Design
- Elements of Thermal Control Systems
- Heat Pipes and Other Multiphase Fluid Systems
- Surface Treatments and Coatings
- Conductors and Insulators
- System Level Energy Balance
- Thermal Analysis Computer Models and Tools
- Thermal Testing
- Real World Examples and Case Studies
7. Space Telecommunications
- Definitions of Telecom Terminology and Performance Parameters
- Overview of Telecom Functional Architecture
- Elements of Telecommunications Systems
- Antennae
- Amplifiers
[Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) and Traveling Wave Tube Assemblies (TWTAs)]
8. How to Construct a Link Budget
- Modulation and Coding Performance
- Real World Examples and Case Studies
9. Configuration and Structural Design
- Definitions of Configuration and Structural Design Terminology
- Overview of Configuration and Structural Design
- Configuration and Structural Design Drivers
- Prelaunch
- Launch
- Operations
- Classic Spacecraft Structural Architectures
- Spacecraft Materials Selection Issues and Options
- Real World Examples and Case Studies
10. Structural Analysis for Space Flight Systems
- Definitions of Structural Analysis Parameters
- Rules of Thumb of Structural Mass Estimation
- Applications of Miles Equation
- Mass-Acceleration Curve Analysis
- Overview of Finite Element Modeling Techniques
- How to Estimate Loads from Pyro Shock
- Real World Examples and Case Studies
11. Fundamentals of Systems Engineering:
- Approaches to Architecture Definition
- Interface Management
- Configuration Control
- Requirements Definition and Flow
- Trade Space Definition and Management
- Managing Design Trades
12. Fundamentals of Project Planing and Management
- Elements of an Effective Project Plan
- Best Practices for Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Development
- Earned Value Systems
- Team Leadership and Coordination
- Approaches to Cost Estimation
13. The Art of Technical Team Leadership
- Real Plans versus "Cargo-Cult" Plans
- Creating a Shared Vision for Success
- Getting and Keeping Team Buy-In
- How to Manage Institutional Interfaces
- Running Technical Team Meetings for Results
- Running Effective Technical Reviews
- Motivating Technical Experts to Perform
- Adjusting Management Style and Team Structure to Fit the Job
- Basic Research
- System Design
- Product Development
Coverage of each subject area includes, but is not limited to:
- Definitions of common terminology used by design and analysis teams
- Descriptions of common assemblies, components, and approaches
- A mathematical description of engineering principles
- Descriptions of interfaces with other spacecraft and mission systems
- An overview of the discipline of the integrated design approach and its role in the larger mission and system design problem
- Example calculations based on today’s commercial communications satellites
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-References