MAE 3060

Spacecraft Engineering

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2014-2015.

Introduction to spacecraft engineering from concept design through launch and in-orbit operations. Topics include space missions, space environment, orbital mechanics, and systems engineering. Most spacecraft subsystems are introduced including propulsion, attitude determination and control, structure, thermal design, and communications. Earth-orbiting satellites and interplanetary probes are considered. Discussions of current problems and trends in space technology and professional practice.

When Offered Fall.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: MAE 2030 or permission of instructor.

• Students will understand, at a higher systems level, space missions and systems, and how the space environment and mission requirements drive spacecraft design.
• Students will understand the application of Kepler's laws for orbital motion, how to propagate an orbit, and calculate parameters associated with mission operations, including launch, insertion, and interplanetary transfers.
• Students will understand the basic fundamentals of spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion, attitude determination and control, power, structures, thermal, communications, and command and data handling.
• Students will be able to simulate a spacecraft in orbit using state of the art tools, and identify and characterize subsystems for a preliminary spacecraft design.

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