Lernergebnisse
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.
