AERSP 401ASpacecraft Design--Preliminary

3 credits · Aerospace Engineering · Penn State

Conceptual and preliminary design of a spacecraft, its constituent subsystems, and related systems, to satisfy a given set of specifications. AERSP 401A Spacecraft Design - Preliminary (3) AERSP 401A is the first of a two-semester sequence of senior capstone design courses. In this course, students will begin to learn the design process, complete a conceptual design, and to begin a preliminary design of a spacecraft, working in teams. This process is inherently multidisciplinary, requiring the use of engineering practices in such subjects as structures, dynamics, electrical and thermal systems, propulsion, controls, and information systems. In addition to the technical design content, this course seeks to enhance students' skills in verbal and written communications, ethical thinking, and the team approach to design, which is widely used in industry and government. Classes (115 minutes each, twice weekly) include lecture and time for team meetings. Students are evaluated on the technical merit of the designs (presented in written and oral reports), as well as their ability to function on a team.