OVERVIEW

Space and space activities are increasingly strategic for science and technology. The course is designed for physicists interested in job opportunities in the space field, to address space projects in basic research as part of scientific teams for the development of an instrument, or in industry, in the roles of designers, systems engineers. The Project Management methods discussed in the course are applicable in many other areas of research and industry.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to give the student the framework of basic notions of space physics and technology and to explore some of the most current scientific and technological topics with lectures, exercises and internships in the industries

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide, in the first instance, an overall vision of modern space activities presenting the complex interaction between the various elements of both systems and organizations. Later, the aspects related to the space segment (environment and vehicles) are explored and the work-flow and basic criteria for the spatial equipment projects are described. To support this phase, few actual spatial systems will be analyzed as real examples of application of the described project criteria. One of the aims of the course is also to provide a basic knowledge of the specialized language used to describe  system elements, design methods and analysis in order to facilitate the reading of the typical documentation of a spatial project. As  part of the course  thera are the exercises aimed at simulating the life cycle of a space project where typical analysis and documentation will have to be produced: for example a "Design Review" in a suitably reduced form based. The training is fulfilled with a visit to a space design and test site and to a satellite integration site.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, classroom and laboratory tests. The exercises are group work to simulate the cycle of a spatial project, drawing example from a real scientific tool with the preparation of typical documentation (in a very reduced form). Lectures will be held, short support exercises to integrate the knowledge of the preparatory topics (eg. radiation detection and associated electronics).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Characteristics of the space environment with connections and details of the topics of the basic courses.

• Spatial activities in the world and in Italy with the aim of appreciate the complexity and the multiplicity of disciplines that may interest the graduate students in Physics.

• Space vehicles and their technical and operational characteristics, design criteria for space, examples of applications.

• Subsystems that make up a spacecraft: sensors, electronics, algorithms and controls.

• Mission analysis: launch, transfer, orbit, ground contact, estimate of the necessary resources.

• Design criteria for space: project cycle, requirements analysis (project, production, test, AIV) and typical phases (BID, PH-A, PH-B, PH-C / D), reviews (PDR, CDR , TRR), models (BB, STM, EM, QM, FM). Structural, thermal and electronic projects. Support analysis.

• Examples: scientific paylods (SAX, Integral, Agile, Planck, Gaia), observation (MTG, Setinel2), experiments on ISS.

• Exercises intended to allow students to explore, in a reduced form, the various phases of a spatial project: from conception to the study phase and up to the «Critical Design Review».

• The course will be completed by a visit to a project and space production site.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

FLAVIO GATTI (President)

PAOLO BASTIA

DANIELE MARRE'

LESSONS

Class schedule

PHYSICS AND SPACE TECNOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Orale examination.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Verification of the acquired knowledges of the course topics