31603 - Avionics and space instrumentation

Academic Year 2012/2013

  • Docente: Paolo Tortora
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: ING-IND/05
  • Language: Italian
  • Moduli: Paolo Tortora (Modulo 1) Simone Pirrotta (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Forli
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Aerospace Engineering (cod. 8263)

    Also valid for First cycle degree programme (L) in Aerospace Engineering (cod. 8263)

Learning outcomes

The student learns how to deal with all subsystems included in a spacecraft. Using a design example of a space mission the student learns the requirements of theon-board instrumentation and the criteria for the preliminary design of all systems.

Course contents

Analysis anddesign of a space mission
- Definition of the mission objectives
- Identification of possible mission architectures
- Identification of the "design driver" for the satellite system

Spacecraft Subsystems
- Structures and mechanisms
- Thermal Control
- On-board computer
- Power System
- Attitude Determination and Control
- Guidance and Navigation
- Communication system

Definition and sizing of payloads
- Technology Payloads
- Scientific Payloads
- Instruments for Earth Observation

Tutorial Mission Study "Concurrent Design"

Readings/Bibliography

1. W.J. Larson, J.R. Wertz, Space Mission Analysis and Design, Kluver, 1992

2. P. Fortescue, J. Stark, Spacecraft Systems Engineering, Wiley, 1995

3. Wertz, J.R. (ed.), Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control, Kluwer, 1978

Teaching methods

In lecturing hours the subjects are presented by the course teacher, including the explicit proof of all mathematical formulas introduced andto the presentation of the methods to solve the problems given in the practicing hours.The proposed exercisesrequire the use of pocket calculators for the solution of the mathematical end engineering problems given by the lecturer.

Assessment methods

The examination usually consists of three questions which allow to assess the capability of the student to resolve new problems or at least to set up the correct resolutive strategy. The assessment of such ability has a fundamental weight in the attribution of the final marks. The student must pass in at least two of the three questions placedby thelecturer in order topass the examination.

Teaching tools

LCD projector, overhead projector and PC are used in addition to the standard blackboard

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Tortora

See the website of Simone Pirrotta