Space Missions Fundamentals

This three-day course provides an overview of the fundamental concepts and technologies of modern space mission systems. Space missions and satellite systems combine science, engineering, and external phenomena. The course will concentrate on scientific and engineering foundations of space missions, spacecraft systems, and interactions among various subsystems.

Engineers and managers in the aerospace/defense industry, FFRDCs and government R&D laboratories and centers who are involved in planning, designing, building, launching and operating space systems and spacecraft subsystems and components.

The fundamentals of space environment, orbital mechanics, propulsion, and subsystem technologies provide an indispensable basis for system engineering. The introduced basic nomenclature, vocabulary, and concepts will make it possible to converse with understanding with mission planners, designers, operators, and subsystem specialists.
The extensive set of course notes provide a concise reference for understanding, planning, and designing space missions and operating modern spacecraft.
Topics Covered include:

• Common space mission and spacecraft bus configurations, requirements, and constraints
• Fundamentals of space environment and its effects on space systems
• Common orbits and velocity increments and propellant amounts for typical maneuvers
• Fundamentals of spacecraft subsystems and their interactions
• Elements of space mission system engineering

Dr. Mike Gruntman is Professor of Astronautics at the University of Southern California. He is a specialist in astronautics, space technology, space sensors and instrumentation, and space physics. Gruntman participates in several theoretical and experimental programs in space science and space technology, including space missions. He authored and co-authored more 300 publications (including six books) in various areas of astronautics, space technology, space physics, scientific instrumentation, space and rocket history, and space education.