The course contents cover general aspects of the use of space for experimentation in physics and astronomy, aspects of celestial mechanics for the orbits and the two- and three-body motion, aspects of detail on the instrumentation suitable or adapted to the use of space.
Lecture slides
Spacecraft Systems Engineering, P. Fortescue, G. Swinerd, J. Stark
Handouts on some topics
Learning Objectives
Provide students with a competence on aspects related to carrying out a scientific experiment in a space environment.
Prerequisites
Nessuno
Teaching Methods
The course is based on lectures that highlight how the experimentation in physics is strongly conditioned by the spatial environment, showing theoretical as well as practical aspects of optimization of materials and systems. Great attention is paid to the multidisciplinary aspects contributing to the success of a space experiment.
Further information
At the end of the course the students visit an industrial reality working in the field of experimentation in space, to show them how the ideas and the requirements set by the scientists then become reality.
Type of Assessment
Oral exam with three questions. The first is a presentation on a topic chosen and discussed by the student. The second and third are chosen within the program.
Course program
Introduction: scientific motivations for experiments in space - How a spatial mission is born and organized - Orbite - Lagrangian points - Effects of the non-sphericity of the earth on the orbits - Dynamics of the probe - Cosmic rays and bands of Van Allen - Systems for the detection of cosmic rays - Mission types: suborbital missions, orbital and planetary missions - Structure of a scientific payload - Requirements of optical systems: telescopes - Requirements of optical systems: spectrographs - Photon detectors for space applications - Requirements of optical systems: cameras for imaging - On-board electronics and data communication - Thermo-mechanical analysis of a scientific payload - The spatial environment: interactions with the scientific payload - Radiation damage - Power systems - Ground support equipment - Model philosophy - Space mission examples - Meeting with a space industry