MSc Space Engineering

Core Modules

Advanced Space Missions Analysis and Design (20 credits)

This module introduces students to the important elements of space mission analysis and design. The key mission objectives are the foundation on which all requirements are derived. Students will be introduced to the industry-standard analysis tools for specific mission design aspects, e.g. mechanical, thermal, radiation, electrical, and trajectory, and will learn to rigorously assess the suitability of designs to meet those requirements.
Students will also consider the wider context of space engineering in society, including ethical, accessibility, and sustainability issues.

Communications, Ethics & Teamwork for Space Missions (10 credits)

Excellent technical communication and teamwork skills are some of the most valuable skills needed as a Space Engineer. Almost no other technical field requires such demanding technical concepts and analysis to be communicated: complex technical safety justifications, a collaboration between global organizations, and cutting-edge technical sub-systems that all have to integrate occur in almost every space mission.
This module will develop these oral and written communication skills, as well as understanding the ethical implications of design and operational decisions.

The lectures and tutorials will guide students through planning research projects, writing industrial technical documents, and scientific papers, and designing effective illustrations and tables. They will learn techniques for effective oral presentations and put these skills into practice in teams. This includes developing a team ethos, strategic, time, and project planning and management capabilities, and presenting their results to assessors and peers.

Individual Research Project (60 credits)

Research projects can be carried out on a broad range of topics related to Space Engineering. The School in which the project is based will provide the research supervisor and will arrange for all necessary facilities and resources.

The project involves full-time research for one-third of the academic year from May until September. Interim assessment will be conducted towards the end of June in the form of a report and an interview.

The project report will be internally assessed by an academic staff member. Each student will be required to give a project presentation which will be marked and moderated by different members of staff.

Materials and Manufacturing for Space Applications (10 credits)

This module will provide an introduction to the industry standards that must be met for materials, structures, and processes to be used in space. Students will learn to evaluate materials and manufacturing processes for use in extreme thermal, radiation, and microgravity environments. They will develop an understanding of the role space-based research can play in advanced materials development.

Space Environment (20 credits)

At the end of this module, the student should understand the key physical parameters of the near-earth space environment and how these affect spacecraft design and operation. Topics will include properties of the near-Earth space environment and interplanetary medium (i.e. solar wind, geomagnetic field, magnetosphere, ionosphere, thermosphere); basic plasma physics relevant to radio propagation; basic solar-terrestrial physics relevant to spacecraft charging and drag.

Optional Modules

Choose three 20-credit modules. Examples of optional modules include:

CubeSat Design (20 credits)

The module requires students to understand how CubeSat systems are designed and operated. They will become familiar with the satellite subsystems, both hardware, and software, and develop an understanding of how the systems are integrated. They will perform a series of laboratory exercises with a 1U EM CubeSat and ground station, which will constitute the primary formative and summative assessments.

Human Spaceflight critique (20 credits)

This module covers the exciting and demanding challenges of human spaceflight. Crewed missions provide enormous and varied challenges ranging from life support systems and space physiology through to spacecraft operations and training. Emerging markets such as space tourism represent a fundamental shift in potential uses of space.

No topic in spaceflight captures the public imagination quite like human exploration.

This module allows students to identify a specific area of their interest in crewed spacecraft and develop expert knowledge on this through independent literature research and learning. Initial lectures and workshops provide specific skills in literature searching and technical and critical writing, and then students receive the support of an academic mentor to develop their study, but the expectation is that the student will become a topic expert.

This develops skills of critical deep technical evaluation on a specific topic that are highly valued both by industrial employers in the space sector and are needed for those seeking to pursue careers in academic or space policy fields.

Orbital Mechanics and Spacecraft Constellations (20 credits)

This module provides you with an introduction to orbital mechanics and spacecraft constellations. It covers the fundamental physics of 2D and 3D orbital mechanics and transfers between orbits. You will develop an understanding of the trade-offs between different constellation configurations and coverage optimization methods.

Satellite Communications (20 credits)

This module introduces students to the important elements of satellite communications. It will introduce the current state of satellite communication systems, describe the propagation environment involved in such systems, and explain methods of characterization. It will explain typical modulation, coding, and multiplexing methods, describe the system and network aspects of typical systems, and describe the ground-based system interfaces to customers. In addition to traditional radio-frequency communications, it will discuss the current status of development, and requirements of, optically-based satellite communications systems.

Spacecraft Mechanical Design (20 credits)

Students will develop an understanding of the key areas of spacecraft mechanical design, using industry-standard design tools. They will also learn to validate mechanical designs e.g. using vibration, thermal, and radiation analysis tools. Students will verify and validate the requirements of these types as well.

Space Propulsion and Power Systems (20 credits)

In this module, students will be introduced to how power is generated and distributed, and propulsion is used for manoeuvre control, in space applications.

Examples include chemical and ion engines, nuclear sources, and solar cells and sails. Power distribution mechanisms and attitude and orientation control will be scrutinized.

Students will choose a set of mission objectives and design appropriate power and propulsion systems to meet those objectives in a mini-project.

This course meets the industrial demand for the training and education of both existing and future engineers in the advanced concepts of Spacecraft engineering.

It aims to produce graduates of the highest caliber who will be much in demand due to their skills, knowledge, and ability to lead in teams involved designing, manufacturing, deploying, and controlling equipment in space.

University Careers Network

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