Learning Outcomes
The space industry is demanding systems engineers who are capable of planning a space mission from project initiation to completion. This module introduces the programmatic aspects of space mission planning and operations. This involves acquiring a robust knowledge on the international standards and activities in astronautics. One focus of the module is set on gaining competencies in planning a space mission through its whole life cycle. Another focus is set on mission operations, which covers the theoretical aspects of ground stations and mission control structures, as well as handling procedures for mission operations.
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to
- identify the main elements of space mission planning and operations (e.g. user and mission concept analysis, data processing, archiving and distribution),
- explain the design steps to plan a space mission from project initiation to completion,
- apply the design steps of space mission planning on a project,
- develop a systematic approach to plan a project following international standards,
- justify design choices from a programmatic point of view,
- assess the feasibility of a space project,
- recognize the relevance of space laws in mission planning,
- select software tools that support the execution of space mission planning,
- describe the European space program (e.g. agencies, budgets, activities, facilities),
- explain the principles of creating a mission operations concept,
- recognize the main elements of a ground station,
- describe the traditional RF-telecommunication chain from ground to space, and vice versa.
