PHYC40810 Satellite Subsystems

Academic Year 2023/2024

One problem inherent with space projects is the length of time from concept through launch and operations.

The aim of this course is to bring each student team (3-4 students) through the complete satellite system development process in one trimester. The aim is to make these small satellites (which we call ‘TupperSats’) as capable as possible and to (i) develop a payload compatible with platform, budget and mass constraints; (ii) launch these satellites by weather balloon, or other suitable launch vehicle; (iii) operate the satellites and telemeter data and (iv) recover the satellite.

Students are introduced to project management, project phases, systems engineering, collaborative tools (e.g. GitHub) and documentation.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this course, student should be able to:

• Implement a simplified space system development process, including documentation
• Write code in Python to run the instruments on the satellite and communicate data to the ground station
• Work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team and stick to a schedule
• Prototype different instrument concepts
• Assemble, integrate and test the complete satellite
• Launch the satellite using a suitable vehicle (weather balloon…)
• Operate the satellite using a ground station to collect data
• Recover the satellite using portable tracking equipment and analyse data



Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

4
Laboratories

96
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Total

220
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a laboratory-based module. Within the laboratory setting there will be hands-on experimental work, computer programming and interfacing, team-working, fieldwork, presentations and report writing. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Based on sustained effort and engagement with the assigned tasks; development of technical competence; response to feedback; creative problem solving; collaboration and team-work. Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40
Assignment: Assessment based on a number of tasks, assignments and reports. Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Mr David Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Jack Reilly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ronan Wall Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 10:00 - 17:50