SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

COURSE SUMMARY

MSc Astronautics and Space Engineering

(Standard Programme)

Course Director: Dr. Peter Roberts

School of Engineering 1
School of Engineering 2
LIST OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................4
COURSE STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................6
Course Texts .....................................................................................................................6
Lecture Modules ................................................................................................................6
Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis ..............................................................................8
Classical Control ............................................................................................................8
Design and Analysis of Composite Structures ................................................................8
Earth Observation and the Environment .........................................................................8
Environmental Control and Life Support Systems...........................................................9
Finite Element Methods (with NASTRAN/PATRAN Workshops) ....................................9
GPS & INS .....................................................................................................................9
Impact Dynamics and Spacecraft Protection ................................................................10
Industrial Case Studies.................................................................................................10
Introduction to Aerospace Structures............................................................................10
Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) .............................................................10
Launch and Re-Entry Aerodynamics ............................................................................11
Modelling of Dynamic Systems.....................................................................................11
Multivariable Control for Aerospace Applications..........................................................11
Payload Engineering and Instrumentation ....................................................................11
Research and Communication Skills ............................................................................12
Satellite Tool Kit Workshop...........................................................................................12
Sensors and Data Fusion .............................................................................................12
Space Communications................................................................................................12
Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control ...................................................................13
Spacecraft Data Handling and Software Development .................................................13
Space Environment ......................................................................................................13
Space Propulsion .........................................................................................................13
Space Systems Engineering.........................................................................................14
Structural Dynamics .....................................................................................................14
Structural Mechanics ....................................................................................................14
Thermal Analysis and Design Software ........................................................................15
Group Design Project.......................................................................................................16
Individual Research Project .............................................................................................16

School of Engineering 3
INTRODUCTION
This document provides an overview of the academic content and structure of the MSc in
Astronautics and Space Engineering at Cranfield University. Detailed syllabus information
beyond that provided here is issued to registered students and is not generally available
outside the University.

The course structure is based on that taught in the academic year 2008/09 and is liable to
change.

The aim of the MSc course in Astronautics and Space Engineering is to equip students with
good first degrees (or equivalent) in engineering, mathematics or physical science with the
knowledge, understanding and skills required to enable them to contribute to the European
space industry, to space-related research within academia, or to the work of a range of
related industries. To industry it provides high quality potential employees.

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

• demonstrate a systematic knowledge and critical evaluation of the key principles of the
main spacecraft disciplines (propulsion, orbits, communications, structure, data handling,
etc.) and be competent to analyse performance quantitatively

• demonstrate the ability to critically analyse systems engineering applied to space

missions

• demonstrate a critical judgement of their specialist subject area(s) at a level appropriate

to new recruits to the space industry such that they are able to contribute directly without
significant further training

• demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the organisation of the space industry and

typical space projects

• be able to apply their knowledge and understanding practically to the design and
analysis of space systems

You will also be able to:

• write a technical report to communicate their work clearly to others

• give an oral presentation to describe the execution and results of a technical project

• plan, execute and manage a small research project

• work effectively as a member of a team on a technical project

• undertake independent study and research

School of Engineering 4
Several different modes of study are possible, although the vast majority of students choose
the standard full-time version including the lecture modules, group design project and
individual research thesis. The following table summarises the possible modes of study.
Please note the extended thesis option is only generally available to candidates who already
have industrial experience of group projects.

Mode Full-time (1 yr) Part-time (2-5 yr)

Standard Lecture modules (25%) Not available
Group design project (30%)
Individual research project (45%)

Extended Lecture modules (25%) Lecture modules (25%)

thesis Individual research project (75%) Individual research project (75%)

Possible modes of study for the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering.

The following sections give an overview of the different parts of the MSc course.

The course is also available as part of several double degree programmes including
Erasmus Mundus (SpaceMaster and EUMAS).

School of Engineering 5
COURSE STRUCTURE
The course has three main components, the lecture courses, the group design project, and
the individual research project. A typical MSc student is expected to require 2000 hours work
to complete the course fully. This corresponds to 46 weeks full-time work (43 ½ hours per
week). The lectures and group design project run in parallel from October to March. The
individual research project is a full-time activity for the rest of the course.

The curriculum is designed to cover a broad range of space system engineering subjects.
This is necessary because a system understanding requires familiarity with a wide range of
subjects. This also allows students from a wide range of backgrounds to benefit from the
course and to develop their abilities within it.

The courses given are based on available staff effort, with an emphasis on areas of
particular strength at Cranfield. Staff teaching is informed by the current research work of the
College. Deliberate use is made of external lecturers to teach areas outside the competence
of available university staff, to bring students into contact with practising space
professionals, and to maintain currency of the material taught.

Course Texts
The two course texts are available to all students:
1. Space Mission Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition, Wertz, J.R., and Larson, W.J.,
(eds.), (Microcosm Inc. and Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1999, ISBN 1-881883-10-
8)
2. Spacecraft Systems Engineering (3rd edition), edited by Fortescue, Stark and
Swinerd (John Wiley, 2003, ISBN 0-471-61951-5).

Lecture Modules
The diagram on the next page illustrates the organisation of the lecture modules, showing
the core and option modules as well as the examined subjects. Students take all core
subjects plus a selection of options (at least two examined modules plus other specialist
modules).

The sections on the following pages give brief details of all the lecture modules, listed
alphabetically (detailed syllabus information is not generally available outside the university
and may change from year to year).

School of Engineering 6
MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering - standard course (2008-2009)

Propulsion,
Guidance,
Systems Launch Electrical Mechnical
Navigation Applications Management
Engineering Vehicles and Subsystems Subsystems
and Control
Manned

Core Space Modelling of Introduction to

Space Space Space Research
Systems Dynamic Aerospace
Propulsion Comms Environment Skills
Engineering Systems Structures
(20) (20) (10) (10) (10) (10) (5)
Payload
Astrodynamics Launch and On Board
Engineering
and Mission Reentry Data
and
Analysis Aerodynamics Handling
Instrumentation
(10) (10) (5) (10)
Earth
Environmental
Software Observation
Control and
Development and the
Life Support
Environment
(5) (5) (10)

Options Introduction to
Classical Structural
Spacecraft
Control Mechanics
Operations
(30) (20) (10)

Spacecraft
Attitude Finite Element
Dynamics Methods
and Control
(20) (20)

Multivariable Impact
Control for Dynamics and
Aerospace Spacecraft
Applications Protection
(20) (10)
"Sensors
and Data Structural
Fusion" and Dynamics
"GPS/INS"
(20) (20)

Design and
Analysis of
Composite
Structures
(20)

Software
Satellite Tool Kit Nastran / Patran

(10) (10)
Thermal
Introduction to Matlab / Analysis
CAD (CATIA) Simlulink (ESATAN /
ESARAD)
(10) (Workshops) (10)

Key: Module name

(number of
lecture hours)

Lecture modules of the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering. Assessed modules are in bold
and have a heavy border.

School of Engineering 7
Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis
Module Aim:
To provide an understanding of the basic principles of Astrodynamics and of their application
to typical mission analysis problems.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should:
þ understand the elementary motions of natural and artificial satellites.
þ be able to carry out orbit calculations for a range of practical problems.
þ be able to design orbital manoeuvres to achieve required objectives

Classical Control
Module Aim:
To provide knowledge of the fundamentals of control engineering for the analysis and design
of control systems in aerospace applications.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ Understand the stability, characteristics and behaviour of single-input single-output
feedback control systems
þ Design compensators for single-input single-output systems
þ use modern PC-based CAD software as an aid in the solution of control engineering
problems and design of control systems using classical methods
þ Be aware of the advantages and limitations of feedback and understand the
importance of robustness

Design and Analysis of Composite Structures

Module Aim:
To introduce the composite materials, manufacturing techniques and analysis methods for
the design of aerospace composite structures.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should be able to apply his/her knowledge to the
practical design aspects of composite for aerospace structures, in particular:
þ understand the key features and particular properties of composite materials,
especially fibre reinforced plastics (FRP);
þ be aware of the manufacturing techniques for aerospace composite structures;
þ be aware of the analytical methods for moisture and thermal effects on a FRP
laminate;
þ be familiar with the analytical methods for buckling behaviour of laminate plates and
sandwich panels;
þ be familiar with the methods for stiffness and stress analysis of a FRP laminate;
þ be familiar with the methods for stress analysis of laminated composite structures with
open and closed sections subjected to various loadings.

Earth Observation and the Environment

Module Aim:
To give engineering/physical science students an appreciation of the key current
environmental issues and of the role of space systems in tackling these issues.

School of Engineering 8
Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ understand the description of the earth's environment as a system, and its key
components and their interactions.
þ be aware of significant environmental issues relevant to earth observation.
þ be familiar with applications of earth observation across a range of sectors.
þ be able to relate earth observation measurands to geophysical parameters and
significant environmental issues.
þ understand the main issues relating to climate change.

Environmental Control and Life Support Systems

Module Aim:
To provide an introduction to the requirements for and principles of Environmental Control
and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) for space vehicles.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ be aware of the basic purpose and functions of ECLSS
þ understand the environmental requirements of the human body and how space travel
can affect these.
þ understand the basic effects of failing to meet the bodies environmental requirements
þ be aware of what information is necessary to define the design requirements for an
ECLSS of a particular vehicle.
þ understand the range of possible principles which are available for use in systems to
perform the major functions of ECLSS with their advantages and disadvantages.
þ be aware of which principles for ECLSS have been, continue to be and are likely to be
used in the future with the reasons for changes.

Finite Element Methods (with NASTRAN/PATRAN Workshops)

Module Aim:
To give the student a grounding in the theory underlying the Finite Element Analysis
technique

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the students should be able to:
þ have an understanding of the key theoretical concepts underlying the Finite Elements
Method
þ be aware of the computational tools implementing the Finite Element Method
þ be able to apply standard computational tools to simple structural design problems
(this requires attendance at the associated PATRAN/NASTRAN workshop course)

GPS & INS

Module Aim:
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the principles of aerospace navigation
systems based on inertial sensors and satellite navigation.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the students should be able to:
þ understand the roles of inertial and satellite navigation in aerospace

School of Engineering 9
þ understand inertial navigation principles, error sources, and aerospace applications
þ understand satellite navigation principles, error sources, applications and key issues

Impact Dynamics and Spacecraft Protection

Module Aim:
To provide an overview of the risk to spacecraft from hypervelocity impacts and the design
options available to minimise the risk.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ understand the types of risk to spacecraft from hypervelocity impacts.
þ understand the design methods to minimise the risk from impact.

Industrial Case Studies

Module Aim:
To illustrate current industry practice in the areas taught in the MSc course using real project
histories presented by space industry professionals.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ appreciate the range of skills required and disciplines covered by the space industry.
þ be aware of some space project life histories.
þ understand the contribution of different disciplines to the execution of space projects.

Introduction to Aerospace Structures

Module Aim:
To provide an introduction to structural design, particularly for spacecraft, for students with
little previous experience of structural engineering.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ understand the role of the spacecraft structure and its typical operating environment.
þ be familiar with the response of materials and structures to applied loads.

Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Module Aim:
To give students an understanding of Computer Aided Design and to give students ‘hands
on’ experience using EDS I-DEAS a leading CAD/CAM/CAE system.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ understand what computer aided design is and its role in the design process
þ have an appreciation of other computer aided engineering tools and how they can be
integrated with CAD
þ understand the different techniques which can be used to create CAD models and be
able to select the appropriate modelling technique for a given product.
þ have an appreciation of how CAD is implemented in industry
þ be able to use I-DEAS to create simple solid and assembly models

School of Engineering 10
Launch and Re-Entry Aerodynamics
Module Aim:
To give students with a background in physical science or general engineering an
appreciation of the principal aerodynamic factors affecting the design of spacecraft and
launch vehicles.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ have gained an appreciation of the principal aerodynamic design issues for the launch
and descent / re-entry phases of a space mission.
þ appreciate the significant features of the dynamic response of a structure.

Modelling of Dynamic Systems

Module Aim:
To provide an understanding of the mathematical techniques that underpin both classical
and modern control law design.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ Use Laplace transform techniques to derive transfer functions of typical mechanical,
electrical and fluid systems.
þ Calculate and plot the step response of typical systems.
þ Derive the state equations for typical systems
þ Use MatLab for matrix algebra and to plot system responses.

Multivariable Control for Aerospace Applications

Module Aim:
To provide a knowledge of modern control techniques for the analysis and design of
multivariable aerospace control systems.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ be able to analyse the stability, robustness and performance of multivariable
aerospace control systems,
þ be able to design optimal control systems using state variable techniques using
MATLAB,
þ have an appreciation of the advantages and limitations of optimal control.

Payload Engineering and Instrumentation

Module Aim:
To summarise the principal payload design issues and their relation to space mission
design, with particular relevance to Earth observation payloads.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ understand how to translate user requirements into quantitative engineering
specifications.

School of Engineering 11
þ understand the impact of the space environment on payload design.
þ be familiar with typical payload designs for a range of earth observation applications.
þ understand the various figures of merit used to characterise sensor / detector
performance.
þ be able to calculate outline signal to noise budgets for a general passive imaging
sensor.
þ appreciate the processes required to convert sensor measurements into valid user
information.

Research and Communication Skills

Module Aim:
Students need to understand some of the basic skills required in research, which are (1) to
choose and plan research projects effectively, (2) to be able to write reports that get used,
and (3) to present their work orally.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ understand how effective research projects are structured and be familiar with related
terminology
þ understand how typical technical reports and other documents are written to make
them useful
þ be aware of the standards expected of written course work submitted for assessment
þ be aware of some of the factors influencing the success of a spoken presentation

Satellite Tool Kit Workshop

Module Aim:
To provide a basic level of training in the use of the Satellite Tool-Kit space mission design
software.

Learning outcomes.
This course provides an introduction to enable students to use STK effectively in their
research and project work. The course also illustrates concepts in astrodynamics.

Sensors and Data Fusion

Module Aim:
The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the principles of sensor fusion, system
integration and error analysis and prediction.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the students should be able to:
þ Understand the principles of error analysis in time varying systems
þ Understand the principles of Kalman filtering
þ Appreciate the design methods using to integrate aircraft navigation systems.

Space Communications
Module Aim:
To provide an overview of data handling on-board spacecraft and of current approaches to
communications between spacecraft and the Earth for telemetry and for spacecraft
payloads. Issues of particular relevance to system design are highlighted.

School of Engineering 12
Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ have gained an appreciation of satellite communications systems

Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control

Module Aim:
To provide an introduction to spacecraft kinematics and dynamics, focussing on rigid body
dynamics and control of Earth orbiting satellites.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ understand the concepts of the dynamics and kinematics of rotational motion and be
able to apply them.

Spacecraft Data Handling and Software Development

Module Aim:
To introduce the software development and documentation process and to develop students'
skills in the use of the Excel spreadsheet program.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ have basic skills for using excel, and be able to write simple functions to extend its
capability.
þ understand the software development model used by ESA.
þ understand the role and outline content of the documentation.
þ be aware of course requirements for software or program results submitted for
assessment.

Space Environment
Module Aim:
To describe the near-Earth space environment, with particular reference to its impact on
spacecraft design and space systems.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ understand the key physical parameters of the near-earth space environment.
þ appreciate the ways in which the space environment affects spacecraft design and
space systems.

Space Propulsion
Module Aim:
To provide an understanding of the thermofluid dynamic concepts underlying rocket and air-
breathing space propulsion and of their implications for launch vehicle and spacecraft
system performance and design.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ understand the constraints imposed by launch vehicle performance & operation on
mission analysis.

School of Engineering 13
þ be able to perform preliminary mission design studies which accommodate the
capabilities of the major launch systems currently available.
þ be able to use one-dimensional gas dynamic relationships to perform initial propulsion
system design point and off-design calculations.
þ be familiar with the principal options for propulsion system design in relation to both
boosters and secondary spacecraft propulsion, and to be able to assess critically their
relative strengths in a range of mission applications.
þ understand the determining factors in high speed flows which constrain the application
of air-breathing propulsion to space launcher applications and the current responses to
the technical challenges posed.

Space Systems Engineering

Module Aim:
To demonstrate how to develop the design of a space system, from a clean sheet of paper,
through logical progression from defined user requirements.

Learning outcomes.
At the end of this module, which leads into the group design project, students should know
how to structure a spacecraft design and development programme through:
þ establishing mission requirements
þ characterising the mission and identifying optional solutions
þ evaluating the performance of options by means of a trade-off analysis
þ defining system engineering requirements
þ establishing a baseline system definition
þ outlining a programme plan to verify the system performance
Students should also have reached a suitably broad level of space systems knowledge,
which can then be followed up by specialist courses in individual subsystem areas.

Structural Dynamics
Module Aim:
To provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of structural vibration and
dynamics, and an understanding of finite element analysis of dynamics and vibration.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ demonstrate the ability to analyse simple structures using hand calculation.
þ demonstrate an understanding of how inertial and dynamic terms are included in finite
element theory.
þ appreciate the difference between explicit and implicit methods.
þ demonstrate the ability to perform dynamic FE analyses of simple structures.

Structural Mechanics
Module Aim:
To provide students with a fundamental knowledge and understanding of structural
mechanics and thin walled structures.

Learning outcomes.
On completion of this module the student should :-
þ effectively use basic structural elements to design structures to meet design
requirements.

School of Engineering 14
þ demonstrate the ability to analyse simple structures using hand calculation.
þ understand load paths in structures and demonstrate a knowledge of thin walled
structural behaviour.
þ calculate the stresses within a thin-walled structural component.

Thermal Analysis and Design Software

Module Aim:
To provide a basic level of training in the use of thermal analysis and design software.

School of Engineering 15
Group Design Project

The group design project is an important part of the course in Astronautics and Space
Engineering. It enables students to experience the application of their specialist skills to a
collaborative interdisciplinary project and is a valuable learning experience. Subjects for the
project are chosen to give students scope for developing their abilities and are usually
relevant to current or anticipated interests of the space industry and may thus have direct
relevance to the careers of graduates of the course.

The group project runs in parallel with the lecture modules from October to March and ends
with a final presentation to an invited audience of industry contacts, the course examiners,
and staff. An individual report is written by each student to document their contribution to the
project. The project tasks are usually shared between sub-groups with responsibility for
areas such as mechanical design, payload, etc. and students perform most of their detailed
work within their sub-group.

Examples of recent projects are:

• Nanosatellite design
• Titan Explorer Mission
• European Data Relay Satellite
• On-orbit servicing demonstrator
• ESA’s 2nd Young Engineers’ Satellite (YES2)

Individual Research Project

The individual research thesis is the largest single component of the course being equivalent
to some 900 hours of study. It allows students to develop their specialist skills in an area of
their choice. A list of suggested topics is circulated in the second half of the first term. Lists
of recent thesis titles are available and are a guide to the range and types of subjects
available.

We actively encourage projects with industrial partners, and in some cases this project work
enables students to contribute directly to a company or research programme. In other cases
students use the opportunity to pursue a long-held personal research interest. A large
proportion of the projects are undertaken in collaboration with outside organisations involved
in the space industry.

From Easter to the end of the (standard) course in September, students work full-time on
their individual research project. Initial literature searching and background reading starts in
January so that a strong full-time start to the project can be made in April once the group
project has finished.

A research supervisor is appointed for the project and the student works closely with the
supervisor during the project. The project is an opportunity to develop research skills, apply
specialist knowledge, and gain experience in project management. The research is
assessed on the thesis submitted in September. Formal project presentations are made to
an invited audience as for the group design project.

School of Engineering 16