Browse Hierarchy EMS710P: Spacecraft Systems Engineering

In this module a description of the space environment and its influence on the spacecraft design and materials selection is discussed. This is followed by an in depth description of Keplerian celestial mechanics, co-planar and non-planar orbital transfers involving both impulsive and continuous manoeuvers, and perturbation effects that characterise the real non-Keplerian nature of orbital motion. The principles of the optimal synthesis of trajectories is discussed. An introduction to space vehicle propulsion is then presented including a description of launch-vehicle dynamics, the rocket equation and metrics that are used to characterise the fuel requirements over a particular mission. The physics of plasmas is discussed in some detail. After the basics of electric propulsion, the principles and features of a range spacecraft thrusters are discussed to facilitate the selection of an appropriate propulsion system for meeting the requirements of a specific mission. This followed by the background on Electromagnetic theory, Antennas, Helicon waves and Radio Frequency Propulsion based on Helicon waves.