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SS4000 Seminar

SPACE SYSTEMS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SS0810  THESIS RESEARCH ( 0 - 8 ).
Every student conducting thesis research enrolls in this course.

 

SS2500 ORBITAL MECHANICS (3 - 2).

Fundamentals: conic sections, coordinate systems and transformations, time. The two-body problem: Newton's laws and their solution, Kepler's equation. Orbital maneuvering. Orbit determination. Perturbations. Mission design.

 

SS3001  MILITARY APPLICATIONS OF SPACE ( 3 - 2 ).
Space Systems and technologies of interest to the military. Strategic and tactical imagery and SIGINT requirements. Tasking and use of national space systems and ground support elements. Vulnerability considerations and impact of current R&D programs. PREREQUISITES: SS2500, Fourier analysis and TOP SECRET clearance with SI/SAO.

 

SS3011  SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS ( 3 - 0 ).
An introduction to space mission analysis with an emphasis on those space missions supporting military operations. Topics include space history, doctrine and organizations, orbital mechanics, communication link analysis, space environment, spacecraft technology, and military, civil and commercial space systems.

 

SS3035  MICROPROCESSORS FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS ( 3 - 2 ).
An introduction to microprocessors at the hardware/software interface. Machine language programming, assembly language programming, I/O systems and interfacing, and operating systems. PREREQUISITE: EC2820.

 

SS3041  SPACE SYSTEMS AND OPERATIONS I ( 4 - 2 ).
Space systems mission analysis and design. Mission characterization, mission evaluation, requirements determination, cost analysis and estimating, cost and operational effectiveness analysis.  SECRET clearance.

 

SS3051  SPACE SYSTEMS AND OPERATIONS II ( 4 - 0 ).
This course covers the theory, applications and policy of selected military space systems. Topics include space-based navigation, warning and weather, satellite command and control and space surveillance. Additional topics include space threats, tactics, ground application tools and developing a space annex for an operations plan. PREREQUISITES: SS2500, SS3011, SECRET clearance, U.S. Citizen.

 

SS3500  ORBITAL MECHANICS AND LAUNCH SYSTEMS ( 4-2 ).
Fundamentals: conic sections, coordinate systems and transformations, time. The two-body problem: Newton’s laws and their solution, Kepler’s equation. Orbital maneuvering. Orbit determination. Perturbations. Mission design. An overview of the performance and selection of launch vehicles. Launch profile and basic terminology (GLOW, mass ratio, injected weight, etc.).  Ascent and payload delivery performance. Launch windows, Future launch systems. PREREQUISITES: MA1113/1114 and SS3011.

 

SS3525  AIR/OCEAN REMOTE SENSING FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY CURRICULA ( 3 - 2 ).    Principles of radiative transfer and satellite sensors, and methods used to measure the atmosphere and ocean; visual, infrared and microwave radiometry, and radar systems. Laboratory sessions illustrate lecture concepts using interactive displays of satellite data. Course designed for Space Systems Operations, Space Systems Engineering, Undersea Warfare, Underwater Acoustics and other interdisciplinary curricula. PREREQUISITES: Undergraduate physics, and differential/integral calculus and ordinary differential equations, or consent of instructor.

 

SS3613  MILITARY SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS ( 3 - 0 ).
MILSATCOM mission analysis, systems design, and applications. This course will cover requirements, tactical employment, system architectures, satellite design and performance, terminal design and performance, associated information systems, link budget calculations, telemetry and control and IO/IW implications. The student will be expected to create SATCOM solutions for Navy and Marine Corps scenarios. PREREQUISITES: PH2514, SS2500, SS3011, EO3516, or consent of instructor. U.S. Citizen, SECRET clearance.

 

SS3805  LAUNCH VEHICLE PERFORMANCE AND SELECTION (2 - 0).

An introduction to the performance and selection of launch vehicles. Launch profile and basic terminology (GLOW, mass ratio, injected weight, etc.). Ascent and payload delivery performance. Launch windows, Upper stage selection. Introduction to family of expendables (Delta, Atlas, etc.). Future launch systems. PREREQUISITES: MA1113/1114, SS2500 and SS3011.

 

SS3900  SPECIAL TOPICS IN SPACE SYSTEMS (Variable hours 1-0 to 5-0.) ( V - 0 ).
Directed study either experimental or theoretical in nature. PREREQUISITE: Consent of Chairman of Space Systems Academic Group and instructor. May be taken on Pass/Fail basis if the student has requested so at the time of enrollment.

 

SS4000  SPACE SYSTEMS SEMINARS AND FIELD TRIPS ( 0 - 1 ).
Seminars consist of lectures to provide perspective on Space Systems. Field trips expose the student to various space activities such as industry, NASA and DoD laboratories and commands.

 

SS4051  MILITARY SPACE SYSTEMS AND ARCHITECTURES ( 3 - 2 ).
This course covers the system level architectural design of selected Space Systems. Emphasis is on a balanced design of all seven components of space systems: space segment, launch segment, ground segment, mission operations, C3 architecture, subject, and orbit and constellation. PREREQUISITES: SS3051 and SS3001. TOP SECRET clearance with SI/SAO.

 

SS4900  ADVANCED STUDY IN SPACE SYSTEMS (Variable hours 1-0 to 5-0.) ( V - 0 ).
Directed graduate study based on journal literature, experimental projects, or other sources. PREREQUISITE: Consent of Chairman of Space Systems Academic Group and instructor. May be taken on Pass/Fail basis if the student has requested so at the time of enrollment.

 

MA1115 MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS ( 4 - 0 ).

Vector algebra and calculus, directional derivative, gradient, polar coordinates and parametric equations, functions of several independent variables, limits, continuity, partial derivatives, chain rule, maxima and minima, double and triple integrals, cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems. Taught at the rate of nine hours per week for five weeks.

 

MA1116 VECTOR CALCULUS ( 4 - 0 ).

The calculus of vector fields; directional derivative, gradient, divergence, curl; potential fields; Green’s, Stokes’, and the divergence integral theorems. Applications in engineering and physics. Taught at the rate of seven hours per week for five weeks.

 

MA2043 INTRODUCTION TO MATRIX AND LINEAR ALGEBRA ( 4 - 0 )

The fundamental algebra of vectors and matrices including addition, scaling, and multiplication. Block operations with vectors and matrices. Algorithms for computing the LU (Gauss) factorization of an nxm matrix, with pivoting. Matrix representation of systems of linear equations and their solution via the LU factorization. Basic properties of determinants. Matrix inverses. Linear transformations and change of basis. The four fundamental subspaces and the fundamental theorem of linear algebra. Introduction to eigenvalues and eigenvectors. PREREQUISITES: Students should have mathematical background at the level generally expected of someone with a B.S. in Engineering, i.e. familiarity with Calculus and solid algebra skills.

 

MA2121 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS ( 4 - 0 ).

Ordinary differential equations: linear and nonlinear (first order) equations, homogeneous and non-homogeneous equations, linear independence of solutions, power series solutions, systems of differential equations, Laplace transforms. Applications include radioactive decay, elementary mechanics, mechanical and electrical oscillators, forced oscillations and resonance. PREREQUISITES: MA1114.

 

MA3046 MATRIX ANALYSIS ( 4 - 1 )

This course provides students in the engineering and physical sciences curricula with an applications-oriented coverage of major topics of matrix and linear algebra. Matrix factorizations (LU, QR, Cholesky), the Singular Value Decomposition, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, the Schur form, subspace computations, structured matrices. Understanding of practical computational issues such as stability, conditioning, complexity, and the development of practical algorithms. PREREQUISITES: MA2043 and ECE1010.

 

PH1001 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS I ( 4 - 2 ).

This course meets for twelve hours per week for the first five and one-half weeks of the quarter. Topics covered are the fundamentals of calculus-based mechanics: Kinematics and dynamics of particles, statics of rigid bodies, work, energy, systems of particles, collisions, rotations of rigid bodies, angular momentum and torque, mechanical properties of solids, elasticity, harmonic motion, sound, fluids. Mathematical methods are reviewed as required. PREREQUISITES: Calculus with a passing grade.

 

PH1002 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS II ( 4 - 2 ).

This course meets for twelve hours per week for the second five and one-half weeks of the quarter and covers electromagnetism: electric charge, electric and magnetic fields, forces on charges in fields, electric potential, Gauss’ law, Ampere’s law, Faraday’s law, resistance, capacitance, inductance, DC circuits, magnetic properties of matter, transient currents in circuits, complex AC circuits analysis, Maxwell’s equations. Mathematical methods are reviewed as required. PREREQUISITE: PH1001 or equivalent.

 

PH2514 INTRODUCTION TO THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT ( 4 - 0 ).

Plasma concepts. Solar structure and magnetic field, particle and electromagnetic emissions from the sun, the geomagnetic field, and the magnetosphere, radiation belts, structure and properties of the earth's upper atmosphere, ionosphere, implications of environmental factors for spacecraft design. PREREQUISITE: A course in basic electricity and magnetism.

 

PH3360 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE PROPAGATION ( 4 - 1 ).

Introduction to vector fields and the physical basis of Maxwell's equations. Wave propagation in a vacuum, in dielectrics and conductors, and in the ionosphere. Reflection and refraction at the interface between media. Guided waves. Radiation from a dipole. PREREQUISITES: MA2121 and a course in basic electricity and magnetism.

 

EC2300  CONTROL SYSTEMS ( 3 - 2 )

The main subject of this course is the analysis of feedback systems using basic principles in the frequency domain (Bode plots) and in the s-domain (root locus). Performance criteria in the time domain such as steady-state accuracy, transient response specifications, and in the frequency domain such as bandwidth and disturbance rejection, will be introduced. Simple design applications using root locus and Bode plot techniques will be addressed in the course. Laboratory experiments are designed to expose the students to testing and evaluating mathematical models of physical systems, using computer simulations and hardware implementations. PREREQUISITES: EC2100, and ability to program in MATLAB.

 

EC2820  DIGITAL LOGIC CIRCUITS ( 3 - 2 ).

An introductory course in the analysis and design of digital logic circuits that are the basis for military and civilian computers and digital systems. No previous background in digital concepts or electrical engineering is assumed. Topics include data representation, Boolean algebra, logic function minimization, the design and application of combinatorial and sequential SSI, MSI, and LSI logic functions including PLAs and ROMs, and the fundamentals of finite state machine design and applications. Laboratories are devoted to the analysis, design, implementation, construction, and debugging of combinatorial and sequential logic circuits using SSI, MSI, LSI, and programmable logic devices. PREREQUISITES: None.

 

EC3230 SPACE POWER AND RADIATION EFFECTS ( 3 - 1 ).

Fundamentals of different power systems utilized in spacecraft; photovoltaic power technology; solid-state physics, silicon solar cells, solar cell measurement and modeling, gallium arsenide cells and II-V compounds in general, array designs and solar dynamics. Radiation effects on solid state devices and materials. Survivability of solar cells and integrated circuits in space environment and annealing method. Other space power systems including chemical and nuclear (radioisotope thermoelectric generators and nuclear reactors). Enery storage devices and power conversation. Spacecraft power supply design. PREREQUISITES: EC2200 or SS2001.

 

EO2525 PROBABILISTIC ANALYSIS OF SIGNALS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ( 4 - 1 ).

Basic analog and digital communications techniques are discussed. The foundations of signals and systems are developed from probabilistic and statistical approaches. Emphasis is on communcation systems relevant to military applications. Topics include AM, FM, probability, random variables, probability density and distribution functions; deterministic versus nondeterministic signals; expectation, the dc and rms values of nondeterministic signals, correlation and covariance; LTI systems, transformation of random variables and the central limit theorem. PREREQUISITES: MA2121 and PH1322

 

EO3525 COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING ( 4 - 1 ).

The influence of noise and interference on the design and selection of digital communications systems is analyzed. Topics include link budget analysis and signal-to-noise ratio calculations, receiver performance for various digital modulation techniques, bandwidth and signal power trade-offs, an introduction to spread spectrum communications, and multiple access techniques. Example of military communications systems are included. PREREQUISITE: EO2525.

 

AE2820 INTRODUCTION TO SPACECRAFT STRUCTURES  ( 3 - 2 ).

Review of statics and strength of materials. Beam theory: axial, bending, shear and torsional loading, stress analysis and deflection of beams. Design of spacecraft structures for launch loads and a survey of typical launch vehicles. Beam buckling and vibration, critical buckling loads, natural frequencies, and mode shapes. Truss structures and introduction to the finite element method. PREREQUISITES: None.

 

AE3804 THERMAL CONTROL OF SPACECRAFT ( 3 - 0 )

Conduction, radiation, thermal analysis, isothermal space radiator, lumped parameter analytical model, spacecraft passive and active thermal control design, heat pipes, and louvers. PREREQUISITES: None

 

AE3815 INTRODUCTION TO SPACECRAFT DYNAMICS ( 3 - 2 ).

Coordinate system transformations (GCI, LVLH, etc.), time differentiation operator, velocity and acceleration in 3D-frames of reference, Poisson’s equations, spacecraft application examples (strapdown INS, etc.), angular momentum, inertia tensor transformations, Newton-Euler equations of motion, spin stability, single-spin spacecraft, nutation and precession, energy-sink analysis, passive nutation control, dynamics and stability of dual spin spacecraft, gravity-gradient stabilization. PREREQUISITES: PH1121 or ME2503, PH2511, MA2121, MA3046.

 

AE3818 SPACECRAFT ATTITUDE, DYNAMICS AND CONTROL ( 3 - 2 ).

Stability of dual-spin stabilized spacecraft, active nutation control, disturbance torques: solar, magnetic, gravity gradient, and aerodynamic, attitude sensors, antenna beam pointing accuracy, three-axis-stabilized spacecraft, fixed momentum wheel with thrusters, three reaction wheel system, attitude control pointing requirements for military spacecraft. PREREQUISITES: EC2300 or equivalent, AE3815.

 

AE3851 SPACECRAFT PROPULSION ( 3 - 2 ).

Introduces concepts and devices in spacecraft propulsion. It reviews fundamental fluid mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and thermodynamics with molecular structure. Conventional chemical means such as H2/O2 and monopropellants are discussed. Electric propulsion schemes (resistojets, arc-jets, ion, magneto-plasma-dynamic, etc.) are introduced and their performances contrasted with chemical schemes. Characteristics of more advanced concepts (laser, solar, nuclear, etc.) are also considered. PREREQUSITE: None.

 

AE3870 COMPUTATIONAL TOOL FOR SPACECRAFT DESIGN ( 2 - 4 ).

In this course, the students become familiar with the use of computer aided design tools for spacecraft subsystems and system design. The tools are for conceptual spacecraft design trade-offs and detailed subsystem design, such as for structures, thermal, attitude control, and communications. PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor.

 

AE4870 SPACECRAFT DESIGN AND INTEGRATION I ( 4 - 0 ).

Principles of spacecraft design considerations, spacecraft configurations, design of spacecraft subsystems, interdependency of designs of spacecraft subsystems, launch vehicles, mass power estimation, and trade-offs between performance, cost, and reliability. The emphasis is on military geosynchronous communications satellites. The course includes an individual design project. PREREQUISITES: AE2820, AE3804, AE3851, AE3818, EC3230, PH2511

 

AE4871 SPACECRAFT DESIGN AND INTEGRATION II ( 2 - 4 ).

A team project oriented course on design of non-geosynchronous spacecraft systems. Provides understanding of the principles of space system design, integration, and systems engineering, and their application to an overall spacecraft mission. Considerations are given to cost, performance, and test plan. Several DOD/NASA organizations, such as Naval Research Laboratory and Jet Propulsion Laboratory, provide support in the definition of the mission requirements for the project, spacecraft design, and design reviews. PREREQUISITE: AE4870.

 

MN3331 PRINCIPLES OF SYSTEMS ACQUISITION AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ( 5 - 1 ).

DAU Equiv: ACQ 101, ACQ 201, PMT 250. This course provides the student with an understanding of the underlying concepts, fundamentals and philosophies of the systems acquisition process and the practical application of program management methods within this process. The course examines management characteristics and competencies, control policies and techniques, systems analysis methods, and functional area concerns. Techniques for interpersonal relationships will be examined in team exercise settings. Topics include the evolution and current state of systems acquisition management; the system acquisiton life cycle; user-producer acquisition management disciplines and activities; and program planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Case studies are used to analyze various acquisition issues. PREREQUISITE: none

 

   

Naval Postgraduate School
Space Systems Academic Group
777 Dyer Rd., Bullard Hall
Code (SP), Rm. 125
Monterey, CA 93943-5001

Rev. Date: 3 March 2005
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