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Home Courses Spacecraft Technology Course materials Readings 2.3 Introduction, learning objectives and content available in full course

2.3 Introduction, learning objectives and content available in full course

Course subject(s) 2. Rocket & Onboard Propulsion

Introduction

It is now time to go small, and take a look at the challenges and opportunities offered by micro-propulsion for small (and very small) satellites.

In this unit, you will learn about the fundamental differences between “conventional” and miniaturized propulsion, the challenges associated to the design and production of micro-scale thrusters, and the main available micro-propulsion concepts.

This is the last step of our journey into the surprising world of space propulsion. You should now have acquired a 360-degrees background knowledge of this very important space engineering field, which I hope helps you in your future studies and professional life. For any questions or doubts, also after the end of this course, feel always free of contacting me!

Angelo

 

Learning objectives/outcomes

By the end of this activity, you will be able to:

  • Characterize the key challenges of micro-propulsion systems
  • Understand the main differences between conventional and miniaturized propulsion
  • Identify the available micro-propulsion technology options and their physical and technical limitations
Learning Activities (to do’s)

  • Watch the lecture videos
  • Practice with the “to do”‘s proposed at the end of each video (reflections on the contents presented in the video)
  • Read the lecture notes and/or surf through the lecture slides
  • After having watched and understood all the study material, try the exercises in the Maple TA assignment
  • Attend the class (or online) session
  • Complete the mandatory Wiki assignment
  • Attend the CubeSat Workshop (see dedicated learning unit)

Additional material in full course

  • Five video lectures
  • Exercise quiz on those lectures
  • Wiki assignment
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Based on a work at https://ocw.tudelft.nl/courses/spacecraft-technology/.
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