Synopsis:

This  course presents an overview of factors that affect spacecraft design and operation. It begins with an historical review of unmanned and manned spacecraft, including current designs and future concepts. All the design drivers, including launch and on-orbit environments and their affect on the spacecraft design, are covered. Orbital mechanics is presented in a manner that provides an easy understanding of underlying principles as well as applications, such as maneuvering, transfers, rendezvous, atmospheric entry, and interplanetary transfers. Considerable time is spent defining the systems engineering aspects of spacecraft design, including the spacecraft bus components and the relationship to ground control. Design considerations, such as structures and mechanisms, attitude sensing and control, thermal effects and life support, propulsion systems, power generation, telecommunications, and command and data handling are detailed. Practical aspects, such as fabrication, cost estimation, and testing, are discussed. The course concludes with lessons learned from spacecraft failures.

Key Topics:

• History
• Design drivers
• Orbital mechanics and trajectories
• Systems engineering
• Design considerations
• Estimation, testing, and failure prevention

Who Should Attend:

This course is for specialists in engineer, sciences, or instrument planning, who need a background of the “big picture” of spacecraft design and how the pieces fit together. Managers who want to understand the many aspects of spacecraft design that affect their work, tasks, and scheduling will also benefit.

Course Information:

Type of Course: Instructor-Led Short Course
Course Level: Fundamentals/Intermediate

Course scheduling available in the following formats:

• Course at Conference
• Onsite Course
• Stand-alone/Public Course

Course Length: 2-4 days
AIAA CEU’s available: yes