Scientific Instruments for Space - 675.792

This course covers the details for the development of scientific space flight instruments, from the conceptual design phase, all the way to delivery to the space vehicle. The course presents the space environments and the considerations in designing space flight instruments. These design considerations include mechanical, structural, thermal and electrical and how to overcome some of the challenges during the different phases of design, assembly and test of the instruments. Students are introduced to programmatic considerations including budgeting, scheduling, and staffing. The course also covers the importance of identifying, understanding and verifying design requirements at different levels of space flight instrument development. A detailed study of the instrument development cycle is covered during the course, with references to instruments launched to space throughout the history of the space-age.