Aims:
Upon completion of this course, the student is able to:
understand and explain the orbital mechanics and dynamics of space missions in general and for specific applications;
understand and explain what the main environmental constraints are on the functioning of technology in space;
understand and explain how launchers and space systems (plattforms and payload) are designed to meet the specific conditions of the space environment;
understand and explain how interdisciplinary crosstalk between science, technology development, and societal aspects is essential for the scientific exploitation and exploration of space.
Module 2.5 ects. Orbital Mechanics and Mission Design (2.5 ECTs)
Introduction
Overview and classification of space missions
Orbital mechanics
fundamental laws in kinematics and dynamics (Keplerian orbits, types of orbits,orbital parameters)
maneuvers (acceleration and deceleration for in in-plane maneuvers, maneuvers for plane change
the central body
classification of orbits for space missions
Spacecraft systems
attitude and orbital control system
power generation and management
thermal control
spacecraft structure
telemetry
communications
Launch vehicles and launch trajectories
launch site
launch trajectory
launch vehicle
integration with spacecraft
Mission design
specification of mission objectives
examples of space missions
Module Spacecraft Design and Instrumentation (2.5 ECTs)
General outline
Spacecraft definition and characteristics
Space environment and constraints
Mechanical and thermal engineering
Assembly, Integration, Testing and Verification
Observation and science mission payloads
Detailed contents
Space messengers (gravity, magnetic field, photons, particles, dust, samples, gravitational waves)
Why space activities and orbit selection.
Space segments
On ground environment
Launch environment
Space environment and impacts on the design of spacecraft and instrumentation
- Radiative environment, thermal cycling
- Vacuum, outgassing
- Microgravity
- Contamination
- Residual atmosphere in Low Earth Orbit, atomic oxygen and drag
- Radiations
- Meteorites and orbital debris
- Electrical environment (solar wind, magnetosphere, radiation belts, plasma environment)
- Energetic particles, electrons, protons and ions
- Electrical charge of the spacecraft
Effects on the optical, mechanical and thermal design, ageing of components.
Mechanical and dynamical design of instruments
Thermal design of instruments
Thermal control
Material properties and material selection criteria
Communication with and inside the spacecraft
On-board software
Data reduction and compression
Redundancy concepts
Different steps in the design of space instruments
Contamination and cleanliness, on the ground and in space
Electromagnetic compatibility
Assembly, Integration, Tests, Verification
Ground Support Equipment
Model philosophy
Mission Planning
Qualification of instruments
Calibration of instruments
European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) standards
Measurement strategies: remote sensing vs in situ; active vs passive
Detectors: principles, noise properties and constraints on observing modes
More information at: https://onderwijsaanbod.kuleuven.be/syllabi/e/G0S56AE.htm#activetab=doelstellingen_idp834864
