OVERVIEW

Space physics and space activities are increasingly strategic to science and technology. The teaching is designed for physicists interested in the areas of scientific research in space, as part of scientific teams for instrument development, or industry, in the roles of designers, systems engineers, and integrators of scientific satellite payloads. The project management methods discussed are applicable in many other areas of industry research.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

In the first instance, the teaching aims to provide an overall view of modern space activities by presenting the complex interaction between the various elements that are part of it at both the systems and organizational levels. Next, aspects related to the space segment (environment and vehicle) are explored in depth and the flow and basic criteria for the design of space equipment are described.  To support this phase, some real space systems will be analyzed as concrete examples of the application of the described design criteria. One of the purposes of the course is also to provide a basic understanding of the specialized language used to describe system elements and methods of design and analysis in order to facilitate the reading of typical space equipment design documentation.  An integral part of the teaching are exercises designed to simulate the life cycle of a spatial design where typical analysis and documentation, for example of a "Design Review" in an appropriately reduced form according to the time available, are to be produced. Completing the training is a visit to a space equipment design and test site and 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). Short lectures, support exercises and laboratory demnstration, will be held to integrate the knowledge of the preliminary topics (e.g. radiation detection and associated electronics). Notes of the lectures carried out will be published on the Aulaweb website.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Characteristics of the space environment with connections and insights from the topics of the basic teachings. Space activities in the world and in Italy with the intention of making them appreciate the complexity and multiplicity of disciplines that may be of interest to Physics graduates.Spacecraft 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, estimation of required resources. Design criteria for space: design cycle, requirements analysis (design, 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 designs. Supporting analyses. Examples: scientific paylods (SAX, Integral, Agile, Planck, Gaia), observational (MTG, Setinel2), experiments on ISS. Exercises designed to make students experience, in a reduced form, the various phases of a space design: from conception to the study phase and up to the "Critical Design Review." Teaching will be complemented by a visit to a space design and production site.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Manned spacecraft, design principles".  P. M. Sforza, Butterworth-Heinemann, Elsevier. 

"Space Physics". May-Britt Kallenrode, Sringer.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

From 21 February 2022 according to the timetable that will be available on the website of the degree course in physics.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment of the level of acquired knowledge and ability to solve simple problems in the space context. It will consist of a predetermined number of questions covering the teaching program and allows the examining committee to judge not only the level of preparation but also synthesis and communication skills.