Small Satellite Development and Experimentation - 675.710

The capstone course in the Space Systems Engineering Program will introduce practical methods and tools used for evaluating the design and implementation of space systems—with a particular focus on small satellites and CubeSats. This will be principally achieved through a significant experimentation laboratory component intended to reinforce analytical experience with empirical exposure and insight. The laboratory will build on prior foundational understanding of spacecraft subsystem design and performance, through a structured series of experiments and investigations to be conducted both individually and in small student teams. It will utilize tabletop satellite simulator kits that are especially designed for hands-on educational purposes, while drawing heavily on the analysis methods and tools developed in the Fundamentals of Engineering Space Systems I/II sequence. All work is aimed at preparing for and executing a single long-residency-weekend exercise, nominally held during the final quarter, typically within the last three weekends of the semester in the Baltimore area. The lab component will have a mandatory set of core hours. The residency-lab will meet the Friday (4p-8p) and Saturday (9a-8p). Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodations, as required. Following residency weekend, only final laboratory deliverables and any remaining assignments are due per provided instructions.

Course Prerequisite(s)

Completion of EN.675.600 Systems Engineering for Space, EN.675.601 Fundamentals of Engineering Space Systems I, and EN.675.602 Fundamentals of Engineering Space Systems II, or with approval of the instructor.