Satellite Mission Design Project

What it is about

You design a real or realistic space mission in teamwork: tasks, requirements and constraints are introduced and analyzed by you. In the end you can create a mission concept including subsystem-level design, cost estimation and presentation of the results at Phase 0/A‑N level.

What you will be able to do

• Understanding of spacecraft design including function and performance measures
• Analysis and evaluation of mission requirements, constraints and objectives
• Application of advanced payload analysis taking scientific goals into account
• Evaluation of launch, ground and space segments as well as engineering trade-offs
• Estimation of life-cycle costs using different methods
• Optimization of a mission under tight requirements and constraints
• Effective communication of technical results to a wide audience
• Teamwork to achieve common goals

What the module consists of

• LectureIntroduction to concepts (e.g., CubeSat missions, earth observation, working with satellite hardware) and presentation of the specific mission; guest lectures from industry
• Seminar / TeamworkApplication of concepts in team design projects and presentation sessions

Teaching method

• LecturesConveying the fundamental concepts and presentation of the concrete mission task
• Guest LecturesInsights into current practice and industry trends
• Teamwork SessionsPractical application of the content in the design project
• Project PresentationsPresentation and discussion of project results; training of communication skills