The course aims to develop the creative thinking of aerospace and astronautical engineering students through the architectural-level definition of a space mission designed to meet specific objectives provided by the instructors. Students will achieve the learning goal by applying methodologies, skills, knowledge, and computational tools acquired during the first year of their master’s degree in a team-based activity. They will also make use of concurrent engineering tools.
The creation of a Concept Document, which will contain the proposed solution to achieve the mission objectives, will require students to conduct efficient bibliographic research to gather available information from literature, fact sheets of instruments and subsystems, and direct inquiries to potential suppliers. Drafting the Concept Document in the standard format of a mission pre-proposal, including an organized presentation of the offered solution, selection and detailing of key aspects, and identification of critical issues, will conclude the group activity.
In summary, the course objectives can be outlined as follows:
Development of creative thinking through the architectural-level definition of a space mission aimed at specific objectives.
Acquisition of the ability to organize methodologies, skills, knowledge, and computational tools gained during the first year of the master’s degree program to conceptually define a space mission through team-based work.
Learning how to conduct efficient bibliographic research to gather information from literature, fact sheets of instruments and subsystems, and direct interaction with potential suppliers.
Development of the ability to synthesize work effectively and concisely through the writing of a Concept Document.
The Concept Document will present a creative resolution to a central problem in aerospace engineering (the conceptual definition of a space mission) while leveraging the knowledge acquired during lectures. This creative project will be carried out in groups, encouraging mutual discussion and the development of students’ communication and presentation skills.
The course program is structured to facilitate group work. The preparation of the Concept Document, the final goal of the training activity, will proceed through the following phases, which make up the course program:
Presentation of general characteristics, objectives, and high-level requirements of the mission to be designed.
Brainstorming phase to outline a feasible solution capable of meeting the mission requirements.
Breakdown of requirements at the subsystem level:
a. Mission analysis and launcher identification
b. Structures and appendages
c. Attitude determination and control system
d. Propulsion system
e. Power system
f. Thermal control
g. Tracking and telecommunications
h. Navigation and operations
i. End-of-mission (disposal)
System assembly and feasibility verification in relation to the mission objectives (can all objectives be met? Is it possible to forego certain aspects to achieve significant simplification of the satellite system?)
If not feasible, iterate until the identified solution meets the requirements (or a substantial portion of them).
Drafting of the Concept Document.
The class will be divided into 3-4 groups, which will operate independently under the guidance of instructors and tutors with expertise in various disciplines (systems, structures, propulsion, etc.). Students will be assigned to different groups to ensure that each team possesses most of the skills needed to achieve the teamwork objectives. [This assignment may consider first-year exam results along with students’ expressed interests in thematic areas (e.g., propulsion, structures) to create a balanced group with the required competencies.]
To stimulate participants' creativity, it is essential for each team to work autonomously. Comparing the different solutions proposed at the end of the course, as presented in each group's Concept Document, will be an exciting and engaging activity.
At the start of the course, illustrative materials will be provided to guide students' work, outlining the mission objectives, requirements, potential constraints, and so on. Each class session will begin with an introductory phase where the instructors will present the objectives to be achieved that day.
With the assistance of tutors, each group will be directed toward correct design paths and supported in bibliographic research or in obtaining necessary information.
In the final part of the course, students will prepare the Concept Document and a presentation to illustrate it.
No reference textbooks are provided.