MECH ENG 3104 - Space Vehicle Design
North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code MECH ENG 3104 Course Space Vehicle Design Coordinating Unit Mechanical Engineering Term Semester 2 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 4.5 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Assumed Knowledge MECH ENG 1007, MECH ENG 2021, 6 units of Level II Applied Maths courses Assessment Assignments, project, experiment, final exam Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Nataliia Sergiienko
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1 Explain Space Vehicle Design, its complex issues requiring expertise from many different areas of Aerospace Engineering; 2 Recognise space vehicle types and subsystems; 3 Explain the parameters that influence the design of space vehicles including their mission, orbital mechanics and the space environment; and 4 Use analytical and numerical methods required to solve space vehicle design problems.
The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia . The course develops the following EA Elements of Competency to levels of introductory (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C):
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 B B A C C B B C C C A A A — C C University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1, 3 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1-3 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
2, 3 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
2, 3 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
1, 2, 4 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
- Lecture notes
- M.D. Griffin and J.R. French, Space Vehicle Design: Second Edition, AIAA, 2004. (digital full text available from the library)
- Peter Fortescue, Graham Swinerd, and John Stark, Spacecraft Systems Engineering, 4th Ed., Wiley, 2011. (digital full text available from the library)
- James R. Wertz and Wiley J. Larson (editors), Space Mission Analysis and Design: Third Edition, Space Technology Library, 1999. (relevant chapters have been digitised and are available on MyUni)
Recommended Resources
- James R. Wertz and Wiley J. Larson (editors), Space Mission Analysis and Design: Third Edition, Space Technology Library, 1999.
- Charles D. Brown, Elements of Spacecraft Design, AIAA, 2002.
- Charles D. Brown, Spacecraft Mission Design: Second Edition, AIAA, 1998.
- Charles D. Brown, Spacecraft Propulsion, AIAA, 1996.
- H. D. Curtis, Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students 2nd Edition, Elsevier, 2010.
- A. Houston and M. Rycroft, Keys to Space, McGraw-Hill, 2003.
- NASA (www.nasa.gov).
- NASA JPL, Basics of Spaceflight Learners’ Workbook, D-9774
- Thomas Sarafin and Wiley Larson (editors), Spacecraft Structures and Mechanisms – From Concept to Launch, Microcosm,1995.
Online Learning
Copies of assignments and any paper material distributed during class will also be posted on My-Uni.
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Lectures supported by problem-solving tutorials and a practical laboratory developing material covered in lecturesWorkload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
A three unit course has a minimum workload of 156 hours regardless of the length of the course. It is expected that students spend 48hrs/week during teaching periods, additional time may need to be spent acquiring assumed knowledge, working on assessment during non-teaching periods, and preparing for and attending examinations.
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements:
Formal Contact: Lectures and tutorials: 45 hours,Practical: 1.5 hours, Exam: 3 hoursSuggested personal workload (will vary between students): Reading and revising course material: 30-50 hours, Completion of assignments and practical report: 30-50 hours, Exam preparation: 30-50 hours.Learning Activities Summary
This timetable is indicative only and may change as the course progresses. Any changes will be announced in MyUni.
Module 1. Introduction - Week 1
Introduction of space vehicle design, including:
- History
- Type of spacecraft
- Subsystems
- Design procedure
- Spacecraft configuration
- System integration
Orbital mechanics, including:- Basic of dynamics/orbital mechanics
- Types of trajectories
- Orbit transfers
- Special orbits, e.g. GEO, MEO and HEO
- Interplanetary missions
- Patched conics analysis
Analysis and selection of propulsion systems, including:- Tsiolkovsky rocket equation and delta-V budget
- Rocket staging - serial and parallel
- Rocket mass budget
- Rocket optimisation
- Chemical rocket engines
- Electric propulsion
Atmospheric flight segments, including:- Launch
- Corrections to Tsiolkovsky rocket equation
- Re-entry
- Fundamentals of hypersonic aerothermodynamics
Determine and control spacecraft orientation, including:- Attitude control concepts
- Sensors
- Actuators
- Disturbances
Control spacecraft temperature, including:- Thermal environment
- Thermal constraints
- Thermal analysis
- Thermal design
Control spacecraft temperature, including:- Power system elements
- Primary power source
- Secondary power source
- Power budget
Communications and data-handling, including:- CDH concepts
- Link budget
Spacecraft structure, including:- Assembly
- Mechanisms
- Launch loads
Spacecraft environmental effects, including:- Effects on materials
- Effects on humans
- Mitigation strategies
Specific Course Requirements
Students will be required to adhere to laboratory conduct safety guidelines for the practical component of this course. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
* The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative Due (week)* Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes Assignments (5×) 20 Individual Summative Weeks 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 1. 2. 3. 4. Project 15 Group Summative Week 11 1. 2. 3. 4. Quizzes (10×) 5 Individual Summative Weeks 1-9, 12 1. 2. 3. 4. Laboratory 10 Individual Summative Hurdle 2. 4. Exam 50 Individual Summative Exam period 1. 2. 3. 4. Total 100
This assessment breakdown is registered as an exemption to the University's . The exemption is related to the Procedures clause(s): 1. b. 2.
This course has a hurdle requirement. Meeting the specified hurdle criteria is a requirement for passing the course.Assessment Related Requirements
In order to pass this course, students must achieve a pass grade for the microgravity performance laboratory.Assessment Detail
- Final exam is a 3-hour long open book exam, to be conducted during the formal university examination period.
- There will be 5 assignments in total. These are individual assignments (no collaboration). These will be distributed during class and also placed on MyUni. Due dates for these assignments may be subject to change; any changes will be announced in-class, written on the assignment, and posted on MyUni at the time the assignment is first distributed.
- The microgravity laboratory is run as part of the formal Level III laboratories.
Submission
Submission of assessments will be made digitally through MyUni unless otherwise specified.
Late submission is not permitted for some assessments. When late submission is permitted, it will be penalised at a rate of 10 % per day. The penalty is rounded up in increments of 10 %. Any assignment submitted more than seven days after the deadline will receive a zero grade. There will be no opportunities for re-submission of work of an unacceptable standard.
Extensions will only be given in accordance with the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment (MACA) Policy.
Assignments will be assessed and returned within 4 weeks from submission (usually significantly less).Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
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