Learning Outcomes
The module gives a technical overview of rocket and spacecraft propulsion systems. Students will understand the basic principles and
system solutions for a large variety of propulsion technologies.
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to
- name and classify propulsion systems that are used in space projects,
- explain the principles physical principles of propulsion (e.g. Newton's laws, rocket equation, thrust, staging),
- recognize the application of propulsion systems for different orbital maneuvers,
- explain the working principles, technologies, challenges, and application areas of the most relevant types of propulsion systems (electric,
solid, liquid, hybrid, airbreathing)
- explain the working principles and application areas of less conventional non-chemical propulsion systems,
- explain the classification, thermodynamic principles, characteristics, and application areas of space propellants,
- calculate the delta-v for space maneuvers,
- calculate the main parameters for the design of electrical propulsion systems (e.g. specific impulse, propellant mass, transfer duration),
- calculate the main parameters for the design of chemical propulsion systems (e.g. specific impulse, mass flow, nozzle parameters,
propellant mass/volume, pressure, tanks),
- develop and draw the architecture of a chemical propulsion system.
Content
- Applications and classification of spacecraft propulsion systems
- Theoretical basics of rocket propulsion systems (e.g. fundamental rocket equation, staging, ascent trajectories)
- Characteristic parameters of space propulsion (e.g. thrust, impulse, velocity)
- Basics of orbital mechanics for spacecraft maneuvers
- Electric propulsion systems (e.g. electrothermal, resistojets, arcjets, electromagnetic, electrostatic)
- Other non-chemical propulsion systems (e.g. nuclear, launch assist, propellantless, gas, antimatter, space elevator, interstellar)
- Solid propulsion systems
- Hybrid propulsion systems
- Space propellants (e.g. liquid, solid, gel, green)
- Fundamentals of thermodynamics, gas dynamics, and nozzles
- Liquid propulsion systems
- Tank design and propellant feed systems
- Injection system
- Airbreathing propulsion systems (ramjet and scramjet)
