Introduction to satellite and rockets techniques and space instrumentations

The course is available as a singular course. The course is also available to exchange students and Fulbright students.

The course covers satellite and rocket missions at an introductory level. The aim is to give students necessary knowledge to be able to use data from spacecraft for scientific research and to contribute to designing satellite and/or sounding rocket missions. The course covers the basics of the spacecraft environment, spacecraft dynamics (orbital and attitude motion and control), telecommunication and telemetry, and the physical principles of in-situ scientific instrumentation.

The primary pre-requisites for the course are mathematics at the calculus level and mechanics, especially Newton's gravitation theory and rigid body dynamics. Basic data analysis skills can also be useful.

Knowledge - The student:

• Has comprehensive knowledge about the environment in which spacecraft operate and can discuss in detail how the environment might affect the spacecraft
• Has detailed understanding of essential aspects of spacecraft dynamics including orbital and attitude motion, as well as launches.
• Can describe spacecraft subsystems (e.g., telemetry, telecommunication, power, etc.)
• Can explain and discuss thoroughly the use of spacecraft to accomplish well known categories of missions (e.g., communication, navigation, remote Earth monitoring and others)
• Can analyze data and describe the physical principles of scientific spacecraft instruments

Skills - The student can:

• Calculate, compute and simulate spacecraft trajectories
• Use and analyze spacecraft data for investigations and research within the realm of space physics

General expertise - The student can:

• Use and analyze spacecraft data to address questions related to the Near-Earth environment
• Convey observations and analysis from spacecraft in a scientific way.
• Use the knowledge acquired to contribute to the design and participate in satellite and/or rocket missions

Recommended prerequisites

FYS-1001 Mechanics, INF-1049 Introduction to computational programming, MAT-1001 Calculus 1, MAT-1002 Calculus 2, MAT-1003 Calculus 3, MAT-1004 Linear algebra

Lectures: 40 hours Exercises: 40 hours

The course might include a field trip to Andøya Space Center.

Language of instruction and examination

Schedule

This course is open to incoming exchange students.

Study Level: Master's

Prerequisites:
To be admitted to this course, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in physics or a closely related field. Your degree must include at least 80 ECTS credits of specialization in physics.
For full details, please see the Admission requirements section.

For details on how to apply for exchange, course selection guidelines, or to contact the Incoming Admissions Team, please visit: Admissions for Student Exchange.

Re-sit examination