Space sustainability, a multidisciplinary approach

EE-587 / 2 credits

Teacher(s): David Emmanuelle Brigitte Marie, Udriot Mathieu Jean-Pierre

Language: English

Summary

The students will learn the history and geopolitical challenges of space sust. Different tools and methods to measure, understand and act for space sust. will be presented. Throughout group work, the students will evaluate the technical, economical, governance and geopolitical aspects of space sust.

Content

Week 1- Introduction to Space Sustainability (measure, understand, act), the course and the group work- Definition of the three dimensions of Space sustainability

Week 2- Geopolitics and regulations of Space Sustainability and Earth-Space Sustainability

Week 3- Space Situational Awareness

Week 4- The Space sustainability Rating

Week 5- The ESA Tools- Master and Drama

Week 6- Technologies for Space sustainability- ADR and OOS- Clearspace testimony

Week 7- Mid term- Group work presentation

Weeks 8-10- LCA and Eco-Design-  LCA expert testimony

Week 11- What is ESG and CSR and how does it apply to Space companies?

Week 12- Space and the SDGs

Week 13- Q&A about the whole course content

Week 14- Final group work presentation

Keywords

Sustainability, Space Situtation Awareness, Life Cycle Assessment, Eco-design

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

ENG-585- Space mission design

Recommended courses

EE-584- Spacecraft design and systems engineering

Important concepts to start the course

Orbital mechanics, protected areas, spacecraft subsystems

 

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Define space sustainability
  • Analyze impacts of space missions on the space and earth's environement
  • Quantify environemental impact
  • Integrate space sustainability in system trade-off
  • Contextualise technical requirements within a geopolitical and legal context

Transversal skills

  • Set objectives and design an action plan to reach those objectives.
  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
  • Take responsibility for environmental impacts of her/ his actions and decisions.
  • Respect relevant legal guidelines and ethical codes for the profession.
  • Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
  • Make an oral presentation.

Teaching methods

Presentation, exchange with experts and group work

Expected student activities

Pre-readings, participation in lectures and group work

Supervision

Office hours No
Assistants Yes
Forum Yes

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Bibliography

Ressources en bibliothèque

Websites

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Space sustainability, a multidisciplinary approach
  • Courses: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Space sustainability, a multidisciplinary approach
  • Courses: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Space sustainability, a multidisciplinary approach
  • Courses: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

Related courses

Results from graphsearch.epfl.ch.