Spacecraft design and system engineering

Summary

The main objective of the course is to learn to apply the fundamentals of space system engineering & design. The course introduces the various phases, systems, & subsystems involved in the design of spacecraft describing the techniques & best practices to plan and execute successful space missions.

Content

Keywords

spacecraft, space system, space environment, orbital mechanics, and space exploration.

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

• Space Mission Design and Operations (EE-585) [already taken or have registered for]

Recommended courses

• Systems Engineering (MICRO-405)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Structure a space project in development phases
• Formulate the tasks and responsibilities of the system engineer
• Dimension the overall system
• Dimension each satellite subsystem
• Elaborate a coherent and consistent system design
• Design a space mission
• Integrate constraints due to the space environment

Transversal skills

• Set objectives and design an action plan to reach those objectives.
• Plan and carry out activities in a way which makes optimal use of available time and other resources.
• Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
• Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
• Write a scientific or technical report.
• Make an oral presentation.
• Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.

Teaching methods

• Interactive lectures
• Collaborative learning
• Project-based learning

Expected student activities

Design work every week, interactive presentations, mid-term report, final report, and final oral presentation.

Assessment methods

Mid-term report, final report, and oral presentation.

Supervision

Resources

Bibliography

"Space Mission analysis and Design", by W. Larson and J. Wertz

Ressources en bibliothèque

• Space Mission analysis and Design / Larson

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/EE-584