Regarding a satellite system, lectures will be presented on “small satellite systems and mission idea” or “spacecraft dynamics and control”, based on students’ presentations, proposals, and discussion, with knowledge and reference materials provided as needed. One of the course goals is to participate in a satellite design or a spacecraft control contest to present pieces of work created by students.
Regarding a rocket system, design of a rocket, which symbolizes huge system design, an overview of the development and launching operation, engine combustion tests, and rocket launching procedures will be shown with video footage. Students will learn about the fundamentals and concepts of a series of rocket designing processes as for system designing method, basics for rocket sizing, guidance control/structure/electric power/propulsion or other systems.
[Goals] By taking this course, students will understand space project planning, and basic processes for designing a rocket or satellite system or other fundamental concepts, and gain a practical experience.
[Topics] The aim of this course is for students to understand space system planning, selection of missions, discussion on feasibility, the basics of conceptual design such as definition of base specifications and carry them out for themselves. Two major domains: the satellite system and rocket system will be covered in this course. Students will be divided into teams to have discussion and make presentations to understand and learn the basic processes, handling with future space projects and small satellites as a specific topic for the satellite system, and Japan’s H-IIA Launch Vehicle etc. for the rocket system.
small satellite systems, mission idea, rocket system design
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Two major domains: the satellite system and rocket system will be covered in this course. Students will be divided into teams to have discussion and make presentations on future space projects and small satellites as a specific topic for the satellite system, and Japan’s H-IIA Launch Vehicle etc. for the rocket system.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | The outlines of this course will be explained. Satellite 1: Introduction to super-small satellites. | Understand the purpose of the course |
Class 2 | Satellite 2: Introduction to contests, coming up with initial ideas, and the basics of satellite design | Come up with ideas |
Class 3 | Satellite 3: Presentations on the ideas, classification of them, and grouping of the students | Present the ideas |
Class 4 | Satellite 4: Presentations on detailed ideas, group discussion, presentations on the outcomes, and advanced design for satellites | Discuss in groups |
Class 5 | Satellite 5: Selection of the theme of work, group discussion, presentations on the outcomes, and the basics of satellite control | Discuss in groups and make presentations |
Class 6 | Satellite 6: Discussion on the feasibility of the themes, group discussion, presentations on the outcomes, the basics of satellite operations | Discuss in groups and make presentations |
Class 7 | Satellite 7: Discussion about the work for a contest as a whole | Holistically discuss the work |
Class 8 | Satellite 8: Presentation on each group's work and evaluation | Present the work |
Class 9 | Rocket 1: Design, development, launching and operations of an H-IIA rocket | Design, develop, launch and operate a rocket |
Class 10 | Rocket 2: System design method 1 (the basics of rocket sizing) | The basics of rocket sizing |
Class 11 | Rocket 3: System design method 2 (advanced rocket sizing) | Advanced rocket sizing |
Class 12 | Rocket 4: System design method 3 (guidance control/structure etc.) | Guidance control/structure etc. |
Class 13 | Rocket 5: System design method 4 (exercises and explanations) | Exercises and explanations |
Class 14 | Rocket 6: System design method 5 (electric power/propulsion etc.) | Electric power/propulsion etc. |
Class 15 | Rocket 7: Report on the results (each of the groups) | Report on the results |
Materials are to be provided in class.
Materials are to be provided in class.
Students will be assessed on their presentations in class, and finalized work and reports. (Satellite: 50%, Rocket: 50%)
Students to enroll in this course should have a great interest in space systems. They are requested to have discussion and draw conclusions thinking flexibly. Note that this course does not merely consist of classroom lectures.