Designing Space Missions and Systems examines the real-world application of the entire space systems engineering discipline. Using a process-oriented approach, the course starts with basic mission objectives and examines the principles and practical methods for mission design and operations in depth. Interactive discussions focus on initial requirements definition, operations concept development, architecture trade-offs, payload design, bus sizing, subsystem definition, system manufacturing, verification and operations. This is a hands-on course with a focus on applications. Design exercises are conducted to give first-hand experience with the techniques presented and gain experience with mission design trade-offs.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course you will have the knowledge, tools and experience to start with a blank sheet of paper and design an effective space mission to meet a broad set of objectives, or critically analyze proposed mission designs with insight into the critical trade-offs between cost, schedule, performance and risk. You’ll walk away with:
An enhanced understanding of the big picture of space missions and systems
- A detailed working knowledge of how all the elements of a space mission work and the key trades that lead to a successful mission
- Practical experience with applying systems engineering processes to develop conceptual designs for space missions and systems
- An organized framework for future space learning —on your own, in academic courses, or other short courses
