Introduction to the design of space mechanisms

The course will start with a general overview of the space environment, including vacuum, radiations, thermal, micro-gravity and vibrations constraints. All these elements have a large impact on the design of space mechanisms as well as space hardware during their entire life span.

The next topic that will be addressed will be the selection of materials, taking into account their properties as well as their compliance to the space environment.

The design of space mechanisms being a vast subject, the present course will then tackle specific topics related to structure, components (including motors and actuators), bearings, sensors, and their reliability. The methods used for managing space projects will also be addressed in the frame of the course.

The course will be based on practical examples and will also introduce the students to the management of space mechanism projects.

Exercises will support the understanding of the concepts.

The main objective of the course is not to encompass the design of mechanisms in all its details, but to get an overall view of what are the constraints and challenges related to the design, manufacturing and operations of space equipment, and potentially to unleash the creativity of the students. It is aimed at the future space mechanism designers but also at engineers who will have to deal with space mechanisms or are simply curious, in order for them to understand the strengths and limitations of such mechanisms.