This course introduces the design, analysis, and systems engineering of space missions. Students examine the mission-level and spacecraft-level decisions required to develop feasible space mission concepts, including mission objectives, spacecraft architecture, subsystem requirements, environmental constraints, project planning, and preliminary cost modeling.
The course emphasizes the integration of space mission analysis with spacecraft systems engineering. Students learn to translate mission needs into conceptual vehicle and mission designs, define subsystem requirements, evaluate enabling technologies, and document and present verified mission concepts. Special topics related to current and emerging space missions are also reviewed.
Course Topics
Students develop competency in the technical and programmatic foundations of space mission design, including:
- Space mission analysis and design
- Space systems engineering and technology
- Spacecraft subsystem requirements and design
- Space environmental conditions affecting spacecraft and missions
- Space mission project planning
- Preliminary space mission cost modeling
- Special topics in engineering for space and contemporary space missions
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students are able to:
- Perform spacecraft mission analysis and generate a conceptual vehicle and mission design.
- Conduct subsystem requirements analysis and design for a space mission.
- Develop, verify, document, and present a complete space mission design.
Mission Design Emphasis
The course emphasizes space mission design as an integrated systems engineering process. Students connect mission objectives, spacecraft architecture, subsystem design, environmental constraints, technology selection, cost considerations, and verification into a coherent conceptual mission design suitable for professional technical communication.