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Spacecraft Design

Module code: EMS610U

Credits: 15.0
Semester: SEM2

Contact: Dr Ranjan Vepa

This module will cover a description of the space environment and its influence on the spacecraft design and materials selection, an in depth description of Keplerian celestial mechanics, co-planar and non-planar
orbital transfers involving both impulsive and continuous manoeuvres, and perturbation effects that characterise the real non-Keplerian nature of orbital motion. An introduction to space vehicle propulsion will be presented including a description of launch-vehicle dynamics, the rocket equation and metrics that are used to characterise the fuel requirements over a mission. Chemical propulsion systems and the basics of electric propulsion will be introduced, and the principles and features of a range spacecraft thrusters discussed to facilitate the selection of an appropriate propulsion system for a specific mission.

Connected course(s): UDF DATA
Assessment: 70.0% Examination, 30.0% Coursework
Level: 6

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