62342 - Satellites and Space Missions

Academic Year 2016/2017

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

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is able to manage the design of the different on board subsystems of a satellite. Through the mission design process, he/she learnt the management of spacecraft  requirements and the processes for preliminary designing and sizing of subsystems components.

Course contents

Analysis and Design of a Space Mission

  • Mission design, definition of objectives and architectures
  • Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
  • Project phasing for mission development 
  • Requirements management and verification

Spacecraft subsystems

  • Telecommunication
  • Power
  • Data Handling
  • Attitude and Orbital Control System AOCS
  • Thermal control
  • Structures and mechanisms

 Payloads

  • Technological Payloads
  • Scientific Payloads
  • Earth Observation and planetary exploration instruments

“Concurrent Design” for space missions

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested readings:

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

During the lesson time, the different course topics and solution methods of practical design examples will be described. The proposed exercises can be solved by means of a pocket calculator.

Assessment methods

The examination is based on three questions (to be answered in written form during a one-hour-long test), for the verification of basic understanding of the main topic of the programm and of the capability to set and solve preliminary design problems. The written test is considered passed if at least two of the questions are answered at sufficient level. The final mark for the exam is then defined during the oral examination, based on written test comments and futher questions.

Teaching tools

The lessons' topics will be presented by means of slides and blackboard support.

Links to further information

http://www.almasat.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Tortora