Introduction to Space Exploration

课程简介

/ Indicative Syllabus This class introduces the basics of aeronautics and astronautics through applied physics, hands-on activities, and real-world examples. Students will be exposed to the history and challenges of aeronautics and astronautics. Introduction: History of aerospace, atmosphere, classification of aerospace vehicles, basic components of aircrafts and spacecraft, vehicle control surfaces and systems, introduction to aerospace sector, major aerospace industry and manufacturers. Flight Principle: Significance of speed of sound, standard atmosphere, Bernoulli’s principle, aerodynamic forces acting on aircrafts and spacecraft, aerofoil nomenclature, pressure and velocity distribution, aerodynamic forces, generation of lift and drag, supersonic effects, aerodynamic center, aspect ratio, center of pressure, center of gravity. Aerospace Propulsion: Propulsion systems, classifications of propulsion system, location and principle of operation. Basic principle of aircraft and spacecraft thrust production, Brayton cycle and Humphrey cycle, jet engines, propeller engines, rocket engines, Ramjet and Scramjet. Spacecraft mechanical, structural, and thermal design: Fundamentals of aerospace structures, aerospace materials, understanding of structural failure modes, external and internal loads in aerospace structures, strength of mechanical components with emphasis on failure and fatigue design, thermal protections from extremely high and cold temperatures, thermal cycling from moving through sunlight and shadow. Launch vehicles and Satellite engineering: Basic orbital mechanics, history of satellite engineering, satellite applications and orbits, GMAT software, satellite subsystems, space debris removal, mission design philosophy, space environment, closed-loop problem solving management, environmental tests. Space robotics: Perception for unmanned autonomous systems, robotic systems for Mars and Lunar explorations, control for unmanned autonomous systems, future challenges in aerospace engineering. -- 2 of 4 -- 3

目标

This subject aims to provide students: • a basic understanding of space exploration; • a fundamental concept of the propulsion and the mechanics of aerospace vehicles; • a fundamental understanding of the satellite operations; • a fundamental understanding of the challenges and opportunities brought by space missions.

先修要求

/ Co-requisite/ Exclusion Nil

Teaching Pattern

Methodology This is an introductory course aiming at arousing students’ interest in and awareness of the complex yet challenging aerospace missions and the impact. The latter may bring to the society at large. Due to the fact that this is an introductory course, it is not the intention of the subject to set any pre-requisite for this course. In addition to the traditional lectures, small group discussions, Q&A sessions, and presentations will be used whenever applicable, thus enabling the students to appreciate some of the theories learned in class. Each student must complete an individual essay based on his/her understanding of the course by doing research on relevant materials. The essay assignment is also intended to improve the student’s ability to express their views and arguments succinctly on a relevant topic.