Space exploration

Duration

30h Th, 10h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Grégor Rauw

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Spacecraft (satellites or probes) have allowed to achieve considerable progress in many fields of space science including the exploration of the Solar System, geophysics as well as phenomena that occur far away in the distant Universe. This course provides an introduction to various concepts that play a role in modern space missions from the very early stage of the spacecraft design up to the exploitation of the scientific results.
We start with a short overview of the history of space exploration from the Spoutnik satellite to modern spacecraft. We then review some fundamental concepts of celestial mechanics necessary to understand the differents types of orbits used for different missions. The design of a space mission and the scientific exploitation of its results require a deep knowledge of the spacecraft environment and an accurate calibration of the instruments onboard. A major part of this course is therefore devoted to the study of the various external parameters that impact on the design of the mission as well as to the calibration methods (both on-ground and in-orbit). Several examples of past, current and future space missions are presented to illustrate the different steps from their initial conception to the exploitation (and interpretation) of the data collected. The course ends with some discussion about the prospectives of space exploitation.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of this course, the students will be familiar with the specific concepts of scientific space missions. They will be able

• to understand the design of the spacecraft and the choice of the best instrumentation depending on the mission's objectives and constraints,
• to analyse the various steps in a space mission, and
• to evaluate its scientific return.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Good knowledge of mathematics, physics, and classical mechanics.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Several tutorial classes are organised including one where the students simulate the conception of a space mission with a specific scientific objective. The reports of the students during this session constitute 10% of their final mark.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

About 30 hours of lectures followed by several tutorial sessions (10h). The course takes place during the first semester.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

In case of a (partial) re-confinement due to the Covid-19 pandemic, lectures will be given remotely via podcasts recorded with Camtasia and skype or Liefsize sessions. The details of the exercises and other mathematical developments that would normally be presented on the blackboard will be provided as pdf files on eCampus.
The exam will take place face to face (except if the authorities decide that all exams must take place remotely) as a written exam.  The exam consists of two parts: - an MCQ consisting of 10 questions (closed book) that must be answered within 25 minutes (1/4 of the final mark). - four open questions (open book, 3/4 of the final mark).
In case the authorities impose remote exams, the exam will be organized remotely via eCampus and a parallel Lifesize session, and will consist of two parts: - an MCQ on the eCampus plateform consisting of 10 questions that must be answered within 15 minutes (1/4 of the final mark). - four open questions (3/4 of the final mark). The students will have two hours to respond to these questions. They can either send their responses directly by e-mail or copy them onto a sheet of paper and scan their answer (or take a picture of it) and send it by e-mail.

Recommended or required readings

The lecture notes are provided as a pdf file in English. The students are invited to make extensive use of the on-line version of this course. This online course contains the lecture notes, copies of the slide show used during the lectures, links to videos that illustrate some aspects developed in the course, as well as a test (not part of the assessment) that helps the students prepare their exam.

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Any session :

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )

- Remote

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred in-person


Additional information:

The assessment is composed for 90% of the evaluation of a written exam, as well as for 10% of the assessment of a tutorial session where the students simulate the design of a space mission. The evaluation emphasizes the understanding of the course and the ability to use the techniques that have been taught. To successfully pass the exam students have to learn and understand the course.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

N/A

Contacts

Prof. Gregor Rauw Institut d'Astrophysique et Géophysique, Bât. B5c Allée du 6 Août, 19c 4000 Liège
Tel. +32-(0)4 366 9740 e-mail: g.rauw@uliege.be

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