MSc Astronautics and Space Engineering

Expected prior learning: Students are expected to be familiar with the module contents of EEE1031, EEE1032, EEE2035 and equivalent. Students are also expected to be familiar with the basic principles of computer programming such as the writing of a function, for/while loops, if/else statements. It is helpful, but not essential, to have studied module EEE2043 – Space Engineering and Mission Design or to have equivalent learning. Student Journey: This module applies Engineering Mathematics concepts introduced in year 1 and 2 to the motion of objects in space. Combined with EEEM009 - Advanced Guidance Navigation & Control, which builds upon EEE3039 concepts to present students with a more in-depth overview of space-related hardware and software, EEE3039 aims at laying out the foundation for describing, predicting, and controlling the motion of objects in Space (both in terms of spacecraft position and orientation with respect to suitable reference frames). Module purpose: This module gives a hands-on approach to mission analysis and develops mathematical descriptions of the natural orbital and rotational motions of spacecraft. Material is delivered through a series of lectures, group problem solving and assessed assignments. The application to mission design is explored through group work and coding assignments.

Expected prior learning: Good background in physics including forces and motion, heat and light, and electricity and magnetism as might have been acquired at A/AS level or International Baccalaureate Physics. It is also useful to have some knowledge of typical space missions: BEng/MEng students might have acquired this through the EEE2043 – Space Engineering & Mission Design module. Module purpose: This is a key module for students interested in becoming space systems engineers, or in working in a related field. It introduces the student to the key principles and techniques of spacecraft systems design, through real-world examples. The student journey: For those students on the undergraduate “space” pathways, the compulsory Level 6 modules: EEE3040 Space Engineering and EEE3039 Space Dynamics and Missions, build upon the Level 5 Module EEE2043 Space Engineering and Mission Design, but provide a more detailed examination of the material. For students coming in on the MSc space pathway, EE3040 provides a first introduction to space systems design – therefore no prior knowledge of space is expected, however, a good understanding of basic physics and mathematics (to “A” level or first year undergraduate level or equivalent) is assumed. These modules, together, provide the background and context for the detailed individual Level 7 modules concerning different aspects, systems and applications of spacecraft: e.g. EEEM044 RF Systems and Circuit Design; EEM031 Satellite Communications Fundamentals; EEEM033 Satellite Remote Sensing; EEEM059 Space Avionics;.EEEM009 Advanced Guidance, Navigation and Control; EEEM032 Advanced Satellite Communications Techniques; EEEM012 Launch Vehicles and Propulsion; EEEM M057 Space Environment and Protection and EEEM049 Spacecraft Structures and Mechanisms. Students may choose their own selection from these advanced Level 7 modules, according to their interests or future career choices.

Expected prior/parallel learning: BEng-level understanding of digital telecommunications systems. MEng students might have partly acquired this through study of EEE3006 – Digital Communications. Module purpose: Satellite communications are an important component of modern telecommunication systems. This module provides the student with an overall understanding of satellite communication systems, technologies and techniques and equips him/her with the design tools to enter employment in the sector. The main goal of this module is to design a satellite communication link to fix or mobile users given a specified quality of service (QoS). To do so, one needs to take into account both telecommunication and satellite related parameters. In this module, you will learn about the satellite payload and how it operates, what is in the earth station and what are the characteristics of the satellite to earth link. In particular, we clearly state the differences in design compared to the terrestrial communication systems We also study in some details the modern satellite networks and constellations. [EEE3006]: This module uses several techniques addressed in digital communications module such as coding and modulation. [EEEM032]: This module is a prerequisite for the advanced satellite communication techniques. [EEEM009],[EEEM059]: Even though other satellite applications such as earth observation or satellites for navigation and positioning are not addressed in this module, however, all such application will eventually need to stablish a communication line with earth. In this sense, this module is closely related to modules on space avionics and navigation, guidance and control.

Expected prior learning: None specifically advised. Module purpose: Earth and planetary observation with remote sensing data is playing a key role in the present understanding of natural phenomena, prevention of disasters, resources monitoring, comprehension of origins of life. Through a series of lectures, seminars, open discussions and “thinking breaks” in class, the module aims to give an introduction to the scientific principles of remote sensing – both passive and active – as carried out by spacecraft. Remote sensing is discussed in terms of instrumentation, missions, products and applications. IMPORTANT: The Second assessment pattern (Written Exam) is only applicable to the MSc Short Course Students.

Nearly all flows encountered in engineering practice are turbulent, so it is critical that engineers have an understanding of the complexities of turbulence and the difficulties in modelling it for design purposes. This module therefore builds on earlier modules in aerodynamics, providing an introduction to the fundamental physics of turbulent flows and existing approximate and semi-empirical techniques for modelling turbulence in CFD. The module also provides an overview of experimental techniques for characterizing turbulence, and the importance of experimental validation.

As engineers it is important to avoid structure or component failure due to overloading or excessive deflection, and stress analysis is the way of assessing such conditions. This module extends the stress analysis delivered in earlier years to cover advanced topics to provide the student with a comprehensive range of skills. This includes increased complexity due to component shape (non-symmetric sections, plates) and stresses caused by loading conditions not previously considered in detail (pressure, torsion and shear forces). Many structures, components and forms of loading are too complex to obtain exact solutions for. In such cases Energy methods can often be used to provide approximate solutions, enabling the engineer to carry out structural assessment. The module shows how energy methods can be used to find the response of structural systems to static loads. A key element of the module is problem solving, thus developing students' resourcefulness. Efficient mechanical design, covering a full range of engineering materials, facilitates lightweighting, and in this way supports a sustainability agenda.

IMPORTANT: The second assessment pattern is only applicable to the MSc Short Course Students Expected prior learning: EEE3033 – RF and Microwave Fundamentals, or equivalent learning. Module purpose: Advanced communications systems and radar operate at RF and microwave frequencies. The design principles and circuit operation, underlying these systems, are quite different from those of electronics used in signal processing at baseband frequencies. This module will cover the key elements of RF and microwave system design as well as analysis concepts for a range of commonly used active circuits, including: oscillators, frequency synthesisers, amplifiers and mixers. The module will also cover the circuit design and operation of non-linear devices used in active circuits together with deployment considerations. This module will include and build on many of the concepts studied in EEE3033 RF and Microwave Fundamentals and address further advanced features of non linear RF devices and system optimisation. It is complementary to EEEM064 Microwave Design Techniques and also EEEM006 Antennas and Propagation.

Expected prior learning: None. Module purpose: To inform students as to the importance of renewable energy in the energy mix required for generation within nations. This is now becoming law in developed countries following the Kyoto agreement and green energy obligations. Students will learn as to the various energy generation options available from power scavengers for handheld calculators to energy generation to power the world’s energy need. Furthermore, an appreciation for the need for energy storage at all power levels will be discussed, with special emphasis on the materials requirements. Students will be able to examine next generation materials being proposed for meeting world's demand based on green energy.

This module is aimed at forming essential professional skills and competences in responsible research and innovation for master level students studying in programmes relating to computer science and/or electronic engineering. It will therefore serve as an important initial module towards planning and executing the dissertation project through learning about literature reviewing and research methodologies. Furthermore, it will facilitate team building skills through identifying individual strengths and exercising capability together with use of artificial intelligence through group design work. This experience will also make the student aware of the challenges of working effectively with other people embracing equality, diversity and inclusion.

Expected prior learning: EEE3039 SPACE DYNAMICS AND MISSIONS and EEE3040 SPACE SYSTEM DESIGN, or equivalent learning. General prior knowledge of basic control theory is recommended. Module purpose: This module provides advanced understanding of the dynamics of satellites and of methods for controlling satellite motion.

Expected prior learning: None specifically advised. Module purpose: This is a key module for students interested in becoming space systems engineers, or in working in a related field. It introduces the student to the key principles and techniques of launch vehicles and propulsion. Through a series of lectures, exercises and case studies, the module aims to give an understanding on the fundamentals of Launch Vehicle design and propulsion techniques for spacecraft travel.

Expected prior/parallel learning: This module covers advanced topics on satellite communications and networks, following the Satellite Communication fundamentals (EEEM031). An alternate module containing suitable prior learning is, Space System Design (EEE3040). Module purpose: This module covers advanced topics on satellite communications and networks. These networks are an important part of global information infrastructure providing broadcasting, mobile and broadband services to millions of homes and offices as well as disaster relieves and emergency communications services.

Expected prior learning: Knowledge equivalent to BEng/BSc in physics or engineering, or equivalent learning. Module purpose: Engineers and scientists in the space industry need a sound appreciation of the hostile and challenging space environment which includes electromagnetic and particle radiation, space weather, plasmas, ultra-high vacuum, particulates (inc. debris) and thermal extremes. This module provides a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the space environment and its impacts in an engineering context and goes into more detail than is possible in the ‘Space System Design’ module: it is especially complementary with ‘Space Avionics’ which provides further methods to protect microelectronics and computers in particular. Through a series of lectures and exercises, and making use of numerous global digital resources including global space environment models, space weather data streams, and international tools for calculations of effects and impacts, describes the impacts on engineering systems (especially to electronics and materials) and how to protect against them. This in turn enables students to design and create reliable space infrastructure leading to the sustainable and economic use of space in the long term by minimising space debris and avoiding wasted resources. In order to illustrate the industrial and employment perspective, realistic examples and exercises based on past scenarios are studied in detail also use is made of real-time space weather events as they develop as well as the forecasts provided via various global digital sources. Guest lectures by specialist practitioners in the field, for example, from the European Space Agency, Airbus, SSTL and OHB are normally provided. Student journey The module follows on naturally from the ‘Space System Design’ module which necessarily can give only a brief summary of the space environment but does put in context the broad range of missions, orbits and environments that can be encountered and summarises top-level impacts. EEEM057 looks in considerably more detail at the space environment and especially those aspects relevant to the performance and reliability of space-electronics and -avionics and protection measures. For these reasons the module is especially complementary with the ‘Space Avionics’ module, part of which looks at the design of avionics and on-board computers and further techniques to mitigate radiation impacts.

Machine Learning for Data Science incorporates a wide range of machine learning algorithms and data mining techniques, which can be applied to real-world problems and datasets with various characteristics to generate new insights and understanding. Through treatment of the principles and fundamental requirements for machine learning, example applications, and related exercises, this module will offer coverage of a range of contemporarily important and emergent machine learning algorithms. The module will provide for the means to critically evaluate, extend, and apply, appropriate techniques to datasets exemplifying specific characteristics in order to derive suitable and defensible results.

Spacecraft can range from small unmanned microsatellites through to large complex manned craft such as the international space station. Structure is the physical platform that supports and integrates sub-systems and payloads. As such, it is of fundamental importance for any spacecraft. Through a series of lectures and exercises, this module gives the students an understanding of the issues that must be addressed in the design and analysis of spacecraft structures and mechanisms.

Developing high-performance energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries could greatly promote the development of portable electronics, vehicle electrification and smart grid, alleviate environmental pollution and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, addressing the “grand challenges” in the sustainability and resilience of environments. This module aims to introduce fundamental scientific, technological or engineering principles and technology applications of batteries used in different electrical systems. Students will learn as to the battery types, battery parts and how to test/monitor a battery. Battery performance requirement by electric vehicles, smart grids, next-generation electronics and electrical systems will also be covered in this module. The discussion of new materials goes beyond that found in EEE3037 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Expected prior learning: Appropriate background knowledge related to the project topic. Module purpose: This is an individual student project module giving each masters student an opportunity to gain realistic experience in developing a solution to a problem from its inception to a demonstrable result. It provides a framework as well as a vehicle for exercising all key aspects of project work, from project specification, through literature and technology research, leading to project planning, problem solving as well as design and implementation, culminating in performance assessment, project demonstration, and project evaluation. It also provides a scope for gaining practical experience interpersonal skills, use of IT, project management, project reporting and project presentation. The project can be either of engineering design nature or have a research flavour. This module is complementary to all other taught modules in order to apply the learning gained into undertaking an independent piece of research and/or development.