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The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of how a spacecraft operates from a technological perspective. This will necessitate exploring the physical, mathematical and engineering principles used in the operation of the major subsystems of a modern spacecraft. On completion of the module the student will be able to describe in some detail the major subsystems of a spacecraft, calculate the basis of operation of these, develop simple models of their functional scope and relate these to simple scientific or operational goals of space missions.

Topics covered by the module:

• Systems engineering lifecycle, structure and management of systems development projects and programmes, management of requirements and interfaces. Technology selection, development, insertion and trade-off.
• Review of scientific spacecraft subsystems, with examples from modern space vehicles. Spacecraft and instrument design constraints and evolution - size, mass, geometry, power, apertures, thermal control, surface requirements, booms, e-m properties, command capability, data rate.
• Mechanical sub-systems: the mechanical environment and design.
• Electrical sub-systems: power sub-system and other electronic sub-systems, including analogue signal amplification and processing.
• The spacecraft thermal environment and design considerations and methods. Cooling methods and refrigeration.
• Attitude control and station keeping, and the basic technology of attitude sensors.
• Quality management in the space domain, qualification and integration activities. Component, sub- assembly, instrument and spacecraft level tests. Vibration, temperature, vacuum, solar simulation tests. Configuration management.
• Product assurance: approved parts and materials lists, cleanliness, testing, protection during shipping, documentation.
• Commanding and data acquisition. Data relay satellites, ground stations, control centre requirements.
• Digitised signal data, On-Board Data Handling (OBDH), telemetry and telecommanding, including encoding and command decoding, error detection and correction, RF satellite communications links and link budgets.