TITLE
MODULE CODE
LEVEL
CREDITS
FACULTY
DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT GROUP
MODULE LEADER
DATE OF APPROVAL
Astronautics and Space Propulsion
55-7857
7
15
ACES
Engineering and Mathematics
ICE
Xinjun Cui
November 2015
MODULE AIM
This module is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to understand the general
principles of spacecraft engineering (astro-dynamics), orbital mechanics, advanced rocket thrust
analysis, space mission control and commercial space engineering progress.
MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES
LO
1
2
3
Learning Outcome
Ability to describe the basic principles and technology relating to space flight (astronautics) and
perform fundamental calculations relating to the orbital mechanics. Also to appreciate the physical
mechanisms needed for successful launch of spacecraft.
Ability to understand the dynamics of spacecraft trajectory and mission path analysis, then extend
this to evaluate more complex rocket booster calculations for space flight.
To develop a more advanced understanding of state-of-the-art spacecraft and space propulsion
systems; to appreciate aspects of spacecraft mission control systems and safety aspects of working
in space.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Fundamentals of Astronautics
Space flight and exploration, basic concepts and laws, equation of motion, types of trajectories,
orbital elements and coordinates system, gravitational parameters, basic orbital mechanics etc.
Space Flight
Space vehicle trajectories, anatomy of a space mission, Lagrange's equation, equation of motion
of a spacecraft and its solutions, orbital equation and applications.
Orbital Manoeuvres (delta-v), interplanetary Trajectories, Hohmann transfer, planetary
departures, case studies
Advanced Aspects of Space Propulsions
Rocket booster analysis, rocket equation, staging, pay loads, mission specification, applications
Other propulsion systems: electric, ion, nuclear. Efficiency analysis and comparison of systems.
Dynamics of Spacecraft Trajectory and Mission Path Analysis
Kepler Laws, perigee, apogee, orbit eccentricity, propellant analysis for space missions, satellite
launch dynamics, spacecraft flight path angles, etc.
Elements of Spacecraft Systems: Re-Entry, Design, Control and Safety engineering
Equation of motion for atmospheric entry, ballistic parameter, lifting entry, bow shock wave
problems in the magnetosphere
Tethering, fail safes, aerothermodynamics, materials specification for aerodynamic heating,
atmosphere.
International Space Mission Case Studies
Examples from: NASA Space Shuttle, SERT, NSTAR, ARTEMIS, LISA PATHFINDER, Japan Space
Agency, etc.
LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT STRATEGY AND METHODS
The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials (worked examples,
workshops and some electronic presentations of simulations in astronautics and space propulsion),
together with, industrial visits and guest lectures invited from industries at appropriate. The complete
lecture notes will be available via Blackboard. Further directed study will be supported by printed notes
and guided reading.
ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION
Coursework (30% of the module mark) will consist of a substantive astronautical analysis assignment
set out around the middle period of module for the students to apply and develop their
understanding in spacecraft flight dynamics and systems, with the support of appropriate computing
simulations.
An unseen 3 hour exam will contribute 70% of the overall mark for the module. Questions will span the
entire modules.
ASSESSMENT PATTERN - TASK INFORMATION (STANDARD ASSESSMENT MODEL)
Task
No.*
1
2
Description of Assessment
Task
Coursework
Exam
Task
Weighting %
30
70
Word
Count or
Exam
Duration
**
2500
3 hrs
Subtasks
Y/N+
IMR^
Y/N
Final
Task
Y/N
Y
N
N
N
N
Y
ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS MODULE
Prior knowledge of propulsion systems (e.g. passing the Propulsion Systems and Aerodynamics
module) and competence in engineering mathematics and engineering principles (e.g. successfully
completing levels 4-6 of the MEng Aerospace Engineering course, either route)
FEEDBACK TO STUDENTS
Students will receive feedback on their performance in the following ways
Feedback will be given during tutorial/seminar sessions where the students will have the opportunity to
work through example problems, ask questions and will be encouraged to reflect on their experience.
Feedback on assignments will be given in written format normally within 3 weeks of an assignment being
submitted
LEARNING RESOURCES FOR THIS MODULE (INCLUDING READING LISTS)
Lecture and tutorial notes will be available on the university's virtual learning environment system
(Blackboard).
Students should also take their own notes in lectures and tutorials and are encouraged to develop
their understanding of the subject by reading recommended texts that will be available from the
University library.
Reading list
ANDERSON, J. D. (2012 Introduction to flight (Vol. 199). Boston: McGraw-Hill. Print- ISBN: 9789814636186
BAKER (20111) Space shuttle manual, Haynes, Print-ISBN: 9781844258666
CURTIS, H. (2013). Orbital mechanics for engineering students. Butterworth-Heinemann. E-Book-ISBN:
9780080977485
EHRICKE, K. A. (1962). Space Flight, Volume II. Dynamics. D. Van Nostrand Company.
Royal Aeronautical Society (2015) RAeS Spacecraft
http://aerosociety.com/About-Us/specgroups/space
(Astronautics)
Working
Group
[on-line]
SELLERS, J. J., Astore, W. J., Giffen, R. B., & Larson, W. J. (2000).Understanding space: an introduction to
astronautics. Primis. Print-ISBN: 9780070570276
TURNER, M. J. (2009). Rocket and spacecraft propulsion: principles, practice and new developments. Springer
Science & Business Media. E-Book-ISBN: 9783540692027
WALTER, U. (2012). Astronautics: the physics of space flight. John Wiley & Sons. Print- ISBN: 9783527410354
MODULE STUDY HOURS (KEY INFORMATION SET)
Module Study Hours - Breakdown of Hours by Type
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity type*
Hours by type
KIS category
Lecture
27
Scheduled L&T
Practical classes and workshops
9
Scheduled L&T
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities sub-total
36
Guided Independent Study
114
Total Number of Study Hours (based on 10 hours per credit)
150
Independent