• Course title: CubeSatLab/Design I
• Number of ECTS: 2
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-45
• Module(s): CubeSatLab/Design I
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

The objective of this course is to provide students with an introduction to CubeSat mission design, specifically, its fundamental concepts, components, and basic mission design.
It will lay the foundations for subsequent courses in the curriculum on CubeSat mission design.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:    
Recall and define fundamental concepts of CubeSats.    
List the components of CubeSat subsystems.    
Translate scientific mission objectives into system requirements.    
Describe the process of space mission analysis and spacecraft design.    
Develop a basic CubeSat design project.

Introduction to CubeSats: History, standards, and applications. Fundamental Concepts: Structure, power, communication, avionics, ADCS, thermal control, payloads. 
Subsystem Components: Detailed examination and integration. 
System Requirements: Translating scientific objectives. 
Mission Analysis and Design: Space environment, systems engineering. Design Challenges: Case studies and solutions. 
Design Project: Team-based CubeSat design and presentation. 
Emerging Trends: Advances and future directions.

End-of-course assessment: Written exam 60% Take-home assignment 30% Presentation 10%

). J. R. Wertz, W. J. Larson, D. Klungle (Eds.). Space mission analysis and design (Vol. 8), Torrance: Microcosm.

• Course title: Introduction to Space Robotics
• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-46
• Module(s): Introduction to Space Robotics
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course is part of the module “Space Robotics”. 
This course is linked to the course Space Informatics Fundamentals.

That course will provide the fundamental principles of software engineering and how computer systems work that will be used in its application to robotics. 
The objective of this course is to understand the need of robots in Space and their mayor applications in the past, present and future.

In addition, this course aims to provide the fundamentals on Guidance and Navigation of space robots.

Furthermore, this course will also provide an introduction to robotics software programming using python and Robotics Operative Software 2 (ROS 2). 

1.General Introduction to Space Robotics 
2.Space Robotics in JAXA and other space agencies
3.Introduction to planetary space exploration
4.Introduction to orbital robotics
5.Introduction to robotics manipulation in Space
6.Leveraging space operation with robotics autonomy
7.Introduction to Guidance, Navigation and Control
8.Space sensors part I
9.Space sensors part II
10.Localization and mapping for space robotics
11.Introduction to Robotics Operative Software 2 (ROS 2)
12.ROS 2 – Nodes
13.ROS 2 – Topics
14.ROS 2 – Launching and connecting multiple packages
15.Practical session/assessment: Navigation
16.Practical session/assessment: Space Robotics missions discussions and assessment
17.Practical session: ROS 2
18.Practical session: Course overview

Continuous assessment: Active participation 25% Presentation 20% Take-home assignment 60%

• Course title: Satellite communications
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-47
• Module(s): Satellite communications
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course will cover the fundamentals of satellite communications. Starting from system architecture and constellations, we study the satellite spectrum, channel and link budgets. A digital communications primer is included with complementary laboratory exercises, along with a detailed analysis of communication payloads. Finally, a series of current topics are covered, such as standards and security, integration with 5G, satellite IoT and deep space scientific missions.

​​The students will be able to study and understand: the SatCom system architecture and constellations, the satellite spectrum and its implications in SatCom services, the satellite channel characteristics and link budgets, latest digital communication techniques for SatComs, the various architectures and capabilities of SatCom payloads, relevant standards and security aspects, integration of satellite systems within the 5G ecosystem, Internet of Things services over satellite, and Comm aspects of deep space scientific missions​.

​​Series of lectures spanning from basics to advances satellite communications concepts such as satellite channel characterization, link budget, design satellite system architecture and constellations, spectrum management in satellite systems, satellite communication payloads, the 5G ecosystem, digital communications primer, 5G NTN, satellite IOT, beyond 5G and 6G perspectives, and deep space communications.​ 

Presentation 60% Take-home assignment 40%

• Course title: Laboratory development and test of a communications transceiver​ (Satellite communications labs)
• Number of ECTS: 2
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-48
• Module(s): Satellite communications
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

​​This course will cover the fundamentals of satellite communications.
Starting from system architecture and constellations, we study the satellite spectrum, channel and link budgets.
A digital communications primer is included with complementary laboratory exercises, along with a detailed analysis of communication payloads.
Finally, a series of current topics are covered, such as standards and security, integration with 5G, satellite IoT and deep space scientific missions.​ 

The students will be able to study and understand: 
-the SatCom system architecture and constellations, 
-the satellite spectrum and its implications in SatCom services, the satellite channel characteristics and link budgets, latest digital communication techniques for SatComs, the various architectures and capabilities of SatCom payloads, relevant standards and security aspects, integration of satellite systems within the 5G ecosystem, Internet of Things services over satellite, and Comm aspects of deep space scientific missions

Hands-on practical lessons on the design, implementation and test of a communications transmitter and receiver using industry-graded tools (NI Labview and USRP SDRs).
In addition, there is a single class on basic of STK orbit simulation tool, and a visit to the SES gateway premises located in Betzdorf.

Presentation 60% Take-home assignment 40%

• Course title: Space Informatics Fundamentals
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-49
• Module(s): Informatics for Space Engineers
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course is part of the module “Informatics for Space Engineers” and is highly synchronized with the other course of the module “Programming for Space Engineers 1”. 
The objective of this course is to provide students with the basic knowledge to understand how computer systems work and the fundamental principles of software engineering, with application to spacecraft onboard computers and software. It will lay the foundations for more advanced courses in the curriculum in the areas of space informatics and space robotics.
More specifically, in the first part of the course the students will see the different layers of a generic computing system, further instantiated in the context of spacecraft onboard computers. In the second part, the course will introduce the main concepts of software design paired with examples related to onboard software, as well as an overview of the onboard software development process. 

At the end of the course the student will be able to:
Explain the notion of an algorithm
Understand the different ways of representing data
Describe the behavior of a gate or circuit using Boolean expressions, truth tables, and logic diagrams
Describe the fetch–decode–execute cycle of the von Neumann machine
Understand alternative parallel computer configurations
Illustrate the different elements of a spacecraft onboard computer
Distinguish between machine language and assembly language
Understand the computer problem-solving process
Understand how to design algorithms
Distinguish among the three main types of abstraction in computing
Understand abstract data types
Distinguish between top-down design and object-oriented design
Describe the stages of the object-oriented design process
Apply the object-oriented design process
Understand the basic concepts of software architecture
Distinguish between the different types of architectural patterns as well as architectural styles
Understand the basic concepts of design patterns
Illustrate the main elements of a spacecraft onboard software architecture
Understand the main steps of the onboard software development process

Introduction to Informatics
Data Representation
Gates and Circuits
Computer Architecture
Elements of a spacecraft onboard computer
Low-level programming languages
Operating Systems
Problem Solving
Object-oriented Analysis and Design
Software Architecture
Design Patterns
Elements of a spacecraft onboard software architecture
Spacecraft onboard software development 

End-of-course assessment – Written exam 80% Presentation 20%

Nell Dale and John Lewis. Computer Science Illuminated (7th ed). Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc., USA. 2020. ISBN: 9781284155617

 

Jens Eickhoff. Onboard Computers, Onboard Software and Satellite Operations – An Introduction. Springer 2012. ISBN 978-3-642-25169-6

• Course title: Programming for Space Engineers 1
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-54
• Module(s): Informatics for Space Engineers
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course is part of the module “Informatics for Space Engineers” and is highly synchronized with the other course of the module “Space Informatics Fundamentals”.  
The objective of this course is to provide students with the basic knowledge of Python programming to provide students all the knowledge required in their career, including development of Python controllers for robotics and development of data analysis programs.

More in general, it will lay the foundations for more advanced courses in the curriculum in the areas of space informatics and space robotics. 
In the first part of the course the students will see the basics of Python procedural programming. In the second part, the course will introduce the main concepts of object-oriented programming, paired with examples related to onboard software.  

Understand the concepts of variable and type 
Apply different repetition constructs appropriately, according to context 
Understand and apply recursion 
Choose collections (lists, sets, dictionaries) appropriately for the given programming task  
Develop programs that process and write text files 
Manipulate global variables and function arguments 
Implement classes in Python  
Contrast object-oriented and procedural programs 
Construct class hierarchies in Python 
Develop well-structured, object-oriented programs 
Employ exceptions 
Develop programs that save their state through serialization 
Develop notebooks using Jupyter 
Employ the main APIs of data analysis Python libraries 

Types: Variables, Strings, Booleans
Recursion, repetitions
Lists and collections
Files
Global variables and function arguments
Object-oriented programming concepts
Object-oriented programming VS procedural programming
Inheritance and polymorphism
User interfaces
Exceptions
Object serialization, modules organization
Jupyter notebooks
Numpy, Pandas 

Combined assessment: Take-home assignment 80% Written exam 20%

Practical Programming, Third Edition. 
An Introduction to Computer Science Using Python 3.6 by Paul Gries, Jennifer Campbell, Jason Montojo. The Pragmatic Bookshelf. ISBN: 9781680502688 
 
Python 3 Object-Oriented Programming 
By Dusty Phillips. Packt Publishing. ISBN: 9781789615852 

• Course title: Space Project Management
• Number of ECTS: 4
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-51
• Module(s): Space Project Management
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

The course will aim at giving the students a background on the management of space projects and in particular the role of the project manager and other members of the project team. 
This will be done through a 1-week course (18h) lead by Philippe Kletzkine who will cover the points described below, and by weekly exercises classes (30h) lead by Muriel Hooghe who will illustrate various aspects of space project management with projects from the satellite industry. 

​The students will acquire an understanding of the above topics, and in particular will be able to understand why different types of projects are organized in specific ways, at technical, managerial and political  (mostly but not exclusively, funding) levels.​

The course will cover (not necessarily strictly in that order):
– various types of space projects
– description of several past and current scientific space projects, including science objectives and technical and organisational challenges
– comparison of the various challenges and drivers of the respective types of space projects
– specifics of the ESA context compared to other space agencies and other organisations
– public procurement (institutional funding of large projects, and space specifics), various private and hybrid funding schemes (as seen by the space agency player)
– space project complexity management and risk management
– space standardisation
– space project team building and management
– introduction to “New Space”.
The course will emphasise the role of the project manager but will also deal with the roles of the other team members.
The course will emphasise the European context, in particular that of European Space Agency projects, and specifically scientific projects, but other organisational settings and applications will also be discussed.
The course will emphasise “Classic Space” management but significant discussion of “New Space” developments will also take place.​ 

Combined assessment: Active participation 20% Take-home assignment individual report 20% Take-home assignment team report 20% Presentation individual report 20% Presentation team report 20%

• Course title: Space Resources Fundamentals
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-52
• Module(s): Space Resources Fundamentals
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course provides an overview of the space resources field, including current knowledge of potential resources in the Solar System, technologies to extract and process them, customers and future scenarios for the use of space resources, legal and policy issues and the development of a space resources utilisation plan. Students will build a broad knowledge in the field of space resources.

Identify types and customers of space resources.
Explain exploration for space resources, resource availability, technologies for identification, recovery, extraction, processing and use.
Identify principles of propulsion and assess impact on missions for space resources.
Assess current technological, economic, legal and policy challenges.
Identify the role of Luxembourg and private sector.
Compare and contrast methods of SRU.
Analyse technology solutions, economic models and policy.
Create a SRU plan including resource knowledge, technologies to extract and customers.

The course will cover planetary materials and their origins, and their potential use in space resources futures. It covers future scenarios for space resources utilization and technologies that might be used for Moon, Mars and Asteroids. It covers legal aspects and future economic scenarios.

Combined assessment: Presentation 20% Written exam 20% Take-Home assignment 60%

• Course title: Spacecraft Subsystem Design and Engineering (SSDE)
• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-53
• Module(s): Spacecraft Subsystem Design and Engineering (SSDE)
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course focuses on providing students with a practical understanding and knowledge of the space mission and spacecraft subsystems engineering. 
The course curriculum covers three major space system engineering topics:
1)spacecraft subsystems engineering knowledge and design concepts. Primarily design disciplines from seven subsystems (ADC, Power, Communications, CDH, Structure, Thermal, and Propulsion) are covered.
2)engineering analysis involving astrodynamics concepts to design a mission trajectory and/or orbits;
3)Introduction to basic elements of systems engineering
This course is a prerequisite for the course « Space Mission and Spacecraft Design » to be taught in next semester.

Understand the concepts of (a) space mission engineering, and (b) spacecraft subsystems
Able to apply basic engineering analysis in astrodynamics
Able to apply basic spacecraft subsystems design to the following subsystems:
oAttitude Determination and Orbit Control (ADC)
oPower (POW)
oCommunications (COM)
oCommand and Data Handling (CDH)
oStructures and Mechanism (SM)
oThermal (THR)
oPropulsion (PRP)
Understand working principles of key technologies and components used in a spacecraft
Able to apply a space mission design method to a simplified space mission.

Spacecraft Subsystem and Mission Design Overview
Astrodynamics (Kepler’s Laws, Newtonian dynamics, Keplarian orbits)
Astrodynamics (coordinate systems and transformations, orbital elements, orbital transfers)
Astrodynamics (rocket equation, ascent trajectories, orbit determination)
Astrodynamics (Lambert’s Problem, interplanetary trajectories)
Subsystems: Propulsion
Subsystems: ADCS
Subsystems: Communication
Subsystems: Power
Subsystems: Thermal & OBDH
Space mission concept design process & system architecting
System architecting case studies
Space mission concept study project

End-of-course assessment

Walter, U. (2018). Astronautics: The Physics of Space Flight, Springer.
Kirkpatrick, D. (1999). Space mission analysis and design (Vol. 8). J. R. Wertz, W. J. Larson, D. Klungle (Eds.). Torrance: Microcosm.
Crawley, E., Cameron, B., Selva, D. (2015). System architecture: strategy and product development for complex systems. Prentice Hall Press.

• Course title: Introduction to AI for Space
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-62
• Module(s): Introduction to AI for Space
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course covers the fundamental principles of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that are the core drive of various applications such as machine translation, autonomous driving, speech recognition, face recognition, and automatic scheduling.
The objective of this course is to equip the students with necessary tools and skills that help them tackle emerging and existing AI problems. Moreover, the students will also learn about the limitations and ethical concerns of AI.

After completing the course, the students will be able to:

• 
  Define what AI is
  


• 
  Apply the principles of problem solving using various basic searching algorithms
  


• 
  Use different methods for knowledge representation and reasoning
  


• 
  Distinguish different forms of learning
  


• 
  Explain the fundamentals of natural language processing (NLP) and use various NLP techniques
  

Discuss the ethical considerations of AI.

The course will cover:

1. Introduction to AI
2. Problem solving by searching
3. Knowledge representation and reasoning
4. Machine Learning
5. Deep learning
6. Reinforcement learning

• Natural language processing (NLP)
• Traditional NLP
• Large language models
• Ethical consideration of AI

End-of-course assessment: 
Written exam 60 % + 
Take-home assignments 40 %

• Course title: Space Resource Utilization Technologies
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-25
• Module(s): Space Resource Utilization Technologies
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course provides an overview of space resource utilization technologies, including prospecting, excavation, drilling, extraction, processing, manufacturing and construction.
The integration of technologies into space resources operations is considered.

Students will build an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of the field of space resources, in addition to the development of technology in the global context of space exploration.

Identify technology needs for space resources operations across the value chain
Describe the use of technology to find and characterize space resources
Describe technologies being developed to extract and use space resources, including the evaluation of their feasibility and readiness
Compare different technologies for energy and construction and other supporting services
Carry out calculations to estimate the scale of operations based on knowledge of the resources and of the available technology
Critically evaluate current technology, including prototypes and demonstrators
Synthesize knowledge to design a complete space resources operation

This course covers the following topics: Remote sensing and surface prospecting technologies, excavation, beneficiation and regolith handling, oxygen extraction from regolith, construction using in situ materials, power and energy.
A field tri to ESRIC’s labs is included, to study current technology development for space resources utilization. 

– Written exam 20 %

– Take-home assignment 20 % (submitted as a report following the field trip)

– Take-home assignment 60 % (submitted as a report ; presentation of key points)

• Course title: Space Economics
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-17
• Module(s): Space Economics
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course provides answers to the question how space contributes to the global economy and vice versa. 
It introduces fundamental economic knowledge and gives an an overview (360 degree tour) on the space economy.

Understand fundamental principles of the space economy: production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. 
Acquire an overview on the space economy including drivers, eco-systems, global value chains, and market challenges, and opportunities.

General economy principles. 
Main drivers and market challenges.
Socio-economic impacts of space activities.
New Space and on-going transformation of the global space sector.

  End-of-course assessment: Written exam

• Course title: GNCSS (Guidance, Navigation and Control for Space Systems )
• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-18
• Module(s): GNCSS (Guidance, Navigation and Control for Space Systems )
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

Guidance, navigation and control are basic capabilities for all spacecraft.
Therefore, the main objective of this course is to provide the students with the capability to understand and develop GNC systems for all kind of spacecraft missions.
In addition, they will acquire general knowledge about spacecraft modelling and also control engineering that will be necessary in further courses in the program.

Having taken this course students will be able:
– to model the kinematics and dynamics of spacecraft to understand the tasks of guidance, navigation and control (GNC) of spacecraft and their related challenges
– understand and apply the basic sensing and actuating devices for GNC
– design, analyse, simulate and implement the basic control algorithms for GNC tasks

Guidance, Navigation and Control will cover the following topics:
    
– kinematics and dynamics of spacecraft;   
– orbital manoeuvres and trajectories;   
– sensors and actuators for satellites and spacecraft GNC;   
– mathematical description of GNC tasks;   
– introduction to control systems engineering;   
– algorithms for spacecraft GNC; and   
– design, simulation and implementation of GNC solutions.

• Final written exam that counts for 100% of the grade.


• There will be exercises throughout the lecture, but based on  “voluntary” work of the students.

• Anton H. de Ruiter; Christopher Damaren; James R. Forbes: Spacecraft Dynamics and Control: An Introduction. 1. Edition, Wiley, 2013, ISBN-13: 978-1118342367


• F. Landis Markley; John L. Crassidis: Fundamentals of Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control. 2014th Edition, Springer (Space Technology Library), 2014, ISBN-13: 978-1493908011

• Course title: Planetary Robotics
• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-19
• Module(s): Planetary Robotics
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course is part of the module “Space Robotics”.
This course is linked to the course Introduction to Space Robotics, and Space Informatics Fundamentals.
After introducing the basics of guidance and navigation, sensing of planetary robotics and orbital missions and ROS 2 in the course of Introduction to Space Robotics, in this course the classes will be more focused on planetary robotics, going deeper on Guidance and Navigation, the practical use of ROS 2.
The students will get a combination of theoretical and practical lectures to implement the learned concepts in Guidance and Navigation with a simulated robot in ROS 2/Gazebo and its real counterpart to run experiments in the  LunaLab, the Lunar Analogue Facility at the University of Luxembourg.

At the end of the course the students should be able to:
 – Understand how planetary robots are able to navigate in unknown terrains.
 – Distinguish between full and semi autonomy
 – Understand how to estimate accurately the pose of the robot in an unknown environment.
 – Understand and differentiate the coordinate frames and how to transform from one to another.
 – Understand how to generate maps of unknown environments.
 – Be able to configure and setup a robot with ROS 2 and operate it remotely.
 – Be able to install and use ROS 2 navigation toolboxes in a real robot.

1.           Catch-up of previous course and exam review (Prof. M. Olivares)
2.           Robotic autonomy (Prof. M. Olivares)
3.           Concepts on navigation of planetary robotics (Prof. M. Olivares)
4.           Localization and mapping for space robotics (Prof. M. Olivares)
5.           Robot kinematics (Prof. M. Olivares)
6.           Data filtering (Prof. M. Olivares)
7.           Path planning (Prof. M. Olivares)
8.           Robot setup I (Prof. M. Olivares)
9.           Robot setup II (Prof. M. Olivares)
10.         ROS 2 simulated environments (Prof. M. Olivares) 
11.         ROS 2 – RVIZ and RQT (Prof. M. Olivares + R. Castilla, A. Frantz)
12.         ROS 2 – Navigation toolbox (Prof. M. Olivares + R. Castilla, A. Frantz)
13.         ROS 2 – Launching and connecting multiple packages (Prof. M. Olivares)
14.         Practical session/assessment: Navigation (Prof. M. Olivares + assistant)
15.         Practical session: Rover and LunaLab (Prof. M. Olivares + R. Castilla, A. Frantz)
16.         Practical session: Course overview (Prof. M. Olivares + R. Castilla, A. Frantz)

– Presentation
Assessing the students’ understanding of the main concepts related to guidance: 
20 %

– Presentation 
Assessing students’ in robot configuration and setup and robot simulation: 20 %

– Presentation
Assessing students’ in operating a robot semi-autonomously: 30 %

– Written exam 
Assessing students’ in all the concepts related to the course: 30 %

• Course title: Spacecraft design and Subsystems engineering
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-13
• Module(s): Spacecraft design and Subsystems engineering
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course focusses on providing students with a practical understanding and knowledge of the space mission engineering and spacecraft design synthesis.
The learning material is supported by hands-on exercises providing the entry point for a deeper understanding of the topics. The exercises make use of industry relevant software and, databases of hardware components.

Having taken this course students will be able to

• 
  acquire
  the fundamentals of space mission engineering and spacecraft design
  


• 
  understand the principle of multidisciplinary system design and spacecraft as a complex system composed of different subsystems with interdisciplinary dependencies
  


• 
  engineer a space mission and design a spacecraft meeting the mission requirements
  


• 
  understand functions, methods, and analysis required in space mission analysis
  

work in a team environment towards a spacecraft design project

This course will cover the following topics:

• Space mission analysis and engineering
• General space system principles
• Application of analysis for various spacecraft-subsystems covered in the previous semester (Attitude control, Power, Communications, Command and Data, Structure, Thermal, Propulsion, etc.)

Synthesis of subsystems in a spacecraft system design project

• 
  No final exam but a project that takes place continuously throughout the semester.


• Progress will be evaluated through a team project report that will be updated by the students regularly.


• Students will also have two formal presentations (mid-term and final) which will be used for evaluation as well.


• All assignments will be checked for plagiarism.

 

Space Mission Analysis and Design, J.R. Wertz and W.J. Larson, Third Edition

• Course title: CubeSat Project
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-16
• Module(s): CubeSat Project
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course aims to introduce students to the CubeSat mission design process, focusing on its fundamental concepts, core components, and mission analysis.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Recall and define the fundamental concepts of CubeSats.


• Identify and describe the components of CubeSat subsystems for specific missions.


• Translate scientific mission objectives into system requirements.


• Explain the processes involved in space mission analysis and spacecraft design.

Develop a design project for a CubeSat mission.

1. Introduction to Fundamental Concepts: Structure, power, communication, avionics, ADCS, thermal control, payloads.
2. Subsystem Components: Detailed examination and integration.
3. System Requirements: Translating scientific objectives.
4. Mission Analysis and Design: Space environment, systems engineering. Design Challenges: Case studies and solutions.
5. Design Project: Team-based CubeSat design and presentation.
6. Emerging Trends: Advances and future directions.

• Writtem exam (40%)


• Project (40%)


• Presentation (20%)

• [1]        D. A. Vallado and W. D. McClain, Fundamentals of astrodynamics and applications, 4th ed., vol. The space. Microcosm Press, 2013.


• [2]        J. R. Wertz, D. F. Everett, and J. J. Puschell, Space Mission Engineering: The New SMAD. Microcosm Press, 2011.


• [3]        Malphrus, CubeSat Handbook: From Mission Design to Operations. .


• [4]        le radioamateur, prepara tation a l examen technique. Technip.

• Course title: Space Business
• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-14
• Module(s): Space Business
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

The course provides a bird’s-eye view on important fundamentals of business and applies them to the domain of space. 

Specifically, the course covers a selection of essential topics and tools for understanding and critically assessing how businesses create, deliver, and capture value.

Having taken this course students will be able to
(1) understand of the elements of a business (e.g., value proposition, strategy, innovation, marketing, finance),
(2) describe the space sector, its main players and its dynamics,
(3) identify drivers for business success, particularly within the space sector,
(4) perform a qualitative and quantitative high-level assessment of business opportunities, particularly within the space sector, and
(5) critically assess case studies that feature real-world examples.

This course will cover the following topics:

(1) basics (e.g., creating value, business models, strategy),

(2) innovation (e.g., disruptive innovation, platforms, intellectual property rights, open innovation),

(3) marketing (e.g., segmentation, positioning, 4Ps), and

(4) finance.
The course also features case studies, in which students will apply the concepts of the lecture to a real business case from the space sector.

Combined assessment: 
Written exam: 40 % + 
Presentation: 60 %

• Course title: Scientific Space Project
• Number of ECTS: 6
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-32
• Module(s): Scientific Space Project
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

Students should learn to apply theoretical background knowledge from lectures in order to solve problems in space-related smaller-scale scientific projects.

 
Having taken this course students will be able to

• 
  Analyse and solve a given scientific problem related to the space domain
  


• 
  Plan, organize and conduct project work comprising theoretical and practical parts
  


• 
  Distribute tasks and aggregate results if the project is done in a team
  


• 
  Write a project report and present results
  

The projects are defined by a Professor (Assistant, Associate, Full) of the ISM which is also acting as the supervisor. The topics should cover problems from all domains of the ISM, such as for instance space engineering, space informatics, space business and finance or space entrepreneurship. The project might comprise theoretical and practical parts and could also be done in teams of students (up to a maximum of 3 students, where each student should work on an own dedicated part of the project). Students are required to analyse the problem, to do literature studies, to develop a solution and to summarize the solution in a final report (size minimum 15.000 words). In addition, the results will be presented in a common seminar for all projects.

• 
  Individual or team work
  


• 
  Project-based work and reports
  


• 
  Final presentation
  


• 
  Graded by supervisor
  

 
All written work MUST be submitted digitally in PDF-format. All assignments will be checked for plagiarism.

Michael J. Katz: From Research to Manuscript – A Guide to Scientific Writing. Springer, 2009, ISBN 978-1-4020-4071-9.

• Course title: CubeSatLab/Build I
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-27
• Module(s): CubeSatLab/Build I
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

The objective of this course is to provide students with an introduction to CubeSat mission design, specifically, its fundamental concepts, components, and basic mission design.
It will lay the foundations for subsequent courses in the curriculum on CubeSat mission design.

Recall and define fundamental concepts of CubeSats.    
List the components of CubeSat subsystems.    
Translate scientific mission objectives into system requirements.    
Describe the process of space mission analysis and spacecraft design.    
Develop a basic CubeSat design project.

Introduction to CubeSats: History, standards, and applications. Fundamental Concepts: Structure, power, communication, avionics, ADCS, thermal control, payloads. 
Subsystem Components: Detailed examination and integration. 
System Requirements: Translating scientific objectives. 
Mission Analysis and Design: Space environment, systems engineering. Design Challenges: Case studies and solutions. 
Design Project: Team-based CubeSat design and presentation. 
Emerging Trends: Advances and future directions.

End-of-course assessment: Written exam 60% Take-Home assignment 30% Presentation 10%

). J. R. Wertz, W. J. Larson, D. Klungle (Eds.). Space mission analysis and design (Vol. 8), Torrance: Microcosm.

• Course title: Entrepreneurship
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-29
• Module(s): Entrepreneurship
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

​​The objective of the exam is to evaluate students’ understanding and application of key entrepreneurship concepts.​ 

Ability and skills to understand and critically evaluate business problems from the the perspective of entrepreneurship; deep knowledge on the entire startup process (from ideation to venture exit); evidence-based insights on entrepreneurship rooted in latest research insights; ability to apply these insights in real-world case studies that feature highly relevant problems and their solutions.

The course will cover the following topics: Entrepreneurship in general, entrepreneurial personalities, business planning, lean startup, entrepreneurial marketing, entrepreneurial finance, entrepreneurial growth, entrepreneurial exit, select types of entrepreneurship (e.g., social entrepreneurship, sustainable entrepreneurship).
The course also features case studies, in which students will apply the concepts of the lecture to real business cases, preferably from the space sector.​ 

Combined assessment: Written exam 50% + Presentation 50%

• Course title: GNSS: Theory and Applications
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-31
• Module(s): GNSS: Theory and Applications
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

Global Navigation Satellite Systems comprise constellations of Earth-orbiting satellites that transmit precise positioning and timing information globally. 
This course provides students with an understanding of current and emerging GNSS signals, their functionalities, and applications in diverse sectors such as space, government, industry, and academia. 
Through theoretical study and practical exercises, students will: 
develop a thorough knowledge of the operational principles and signal characteristics of GNSS constellations, including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou. 
explore advanced topics such as multi-frequency signals and signal processing techniques. 
gain practical experience in using GNSS receivers and analyzing positioning accuracy in real-world scenarios. 
investigate the integration of GNSS with other positioning technologies and their applications in navigation, surveying, remote sensing, and space missions.
examine the role of GNSS in emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, precision agriculture, and space exploration.  

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 

explain the fundamental principles of Global Navigation Satellite Systems, including the architecture of satellite constellations, signal characteristics, and the functioning of satellite navigation systems. 
evaluate and mitigate various sources of error affecting GNSS positioning accuracy, such as atmospheric conditions, multipath effects, and satellite geometry. 
implement advanced algorithms and techniques for processing GNSS data, including error estimation, differential corrections, and signal processing methods. 
plan, execute, and analyze precise GNSS measurements using professional-grade receivers and software tools. 
assess the role of GNSS and GNSS-derived products and services in diverse applications, including navigation, geodesy, remote sensing, and space exploration. 
synthesize and articulate the implications of GNSS advancements for space missions, satellite-based communication, and future space-based navigation systems.

GNSS: Theory and Applications covers the following topics: 
introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems. 
coordinate systems in geometric satellite geodesy. 
satellite orbital motion. 
GNSS signals. 
GNSS observations equations. 
adjustment and filtering methods. 
applications and advanced topics of GNSS signals for environmental modeling. 

Combined assessment: Take-Home assignment 30% Written exam 70%

• Course title: Advanced Satellite Communication Systems (elective course)
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-58
• Module(s): Advanced Satellite Communication Systems (elective course)
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: No

​​The objective of this course is to provide students with the advanced background and knowledge on the next-generation space communications systems.
With 8 advanced topics, this course covers the design, analyze and operation management of the space segments from different system perspectives.
The course begins with a review of the 5G non-terrestrial networks and experimental platform, before moving to the key techniques for managing the beamforming, precoding, and spectrum management in the future space communication system. 
Later part of the course introduces promising technological enablers in space systems, including space edge computing; joint communication and sensing, position, navigation and timing; and quantum communication in space.​ 

​​This course is expected to provide the students advanced knowledge of the space communications systems from both operational systems perspectives and technological enablers. The students are expected to be able to understand, analyze, and design the physical layers of satellite communications systems, as well as understand the emerging research topics in future space communications system. Out of this course, the students will be able to study and understand:​   
The background and experimentations of 5G NTN 
Beamforming and precoding techniques in space systems 
Radio resource management and flexible spectrum management in space 
Direct to handheld communications  
Interference management and anti-jamming in space 
Space edge computing 
Joint communications and sensing, position, navigating and timing 
Quantum Communications in space 

​​This component provides the most popular resource management strategies to manage and optimize different layers of satellite systems, as well as emerging technological enablers in space systems. 

End-of-course assessment: presentation 100%

• Course title: Quantum Communication Infrastructure Fundamentals (elective course)
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-59
• Module(s): Quantum Communications & Quantum Key Distribution (elective course)
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: No

​​This course is designed to familiarize the attendees with the framework of quantum communication systems.
The course begins with a historical review of events that led to the development of quantum mechanics, before moving to the introduction of quantum states and their properties.
Later part of the course introduces fundamental protocols of quantum communications, tools of quantum information theory, and basic treatment of noise in quantum systems.
The final part of the course introduces quantum cryptography techniques, including quantum key distribution protocols, their implementations, and their analyses.​ 

​​At the end of this course, students will be able to:
– precisely define quantum states and explain their properties
– design quantum circuits and perform calculation for fundamental quantum communication protocols
– model the effect of interactions with environment in open quantum systems
– analyze quantum noise in quantum communication systems and explain its effects
– describe basic quantum key distribution protocols and identify their potential use in the real-world scenarios.​ 

Continuous assessment: Take-Home assignment 60% Presentation 40%

• Course title: Practical Aspects of Entrepreneurship (elective course)
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-30
• Module(s): Practical Aspects of Entrepreneurship (elective course)
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: No

This course provides a practice-oriented take on entrepreneurship. Specifically, the course covers the application of essential tools for understanding and critically assessing how to discover, develop and exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. You will apply these tools to develop an entrepreneurial idea into a fully-fledged, ready-to-go business model that is resilient.

Understand and critically evaluate market opportunities, acquire practical tools to perform an in-depth analysis of a firm’s external environment, acquire practical tools that enable the development of a solid value proposition and business model, understand how a business proposition is captured in a pitch deck.

The course will cover the following topics: Market opportunity navigator, external analysis (PESTLE, blue ocean, …), value proposition canvas, business model canvas,  entrepreneurial pitching.
The course combines interactive lectures with course work and presentations.
The lectures introduce important entrepreneurship tools, which you will then apply to real-world examples.
The presentations serve as the basis for a critical in-depth discussion.
The ultimate session may feature pitching in front of investors.

Continuous assessment – presentation 100 %

• Course title: Robotic Manipulation in Space I (elective course)
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-35
• Module(s): Robotic Manipulation in Space I (elective course)
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: No

Gain a broad understanding of robotics manipulation concepts and its application in the space domain.

Identify relevant missions that involve space robotic manipulators.
Understand the fundamentals of the kinematics and dynamics of robotic manipulators. 
Understand the difference between ground-based robots and a multibody system on a movable base.
Improve academic writing and presentation skills.

Introduction
Rigid Body Transformations
Forward Kinematics
Inverse Kinematics
Differential Kinematics
Dynamics
Path and trajectory planning
Control
Research Topics Seminars

Combined assessment: Presentation 25% Classroom assignment 25% written exam 50%

Book: Introduction to Robotics: Mechanics and Control, John J. Craig. Pearson, 4th Edition, 2022.
Online: Robotic Manipulation Course MIT
https://manipulation.csail.mit.edu/
Online: Robotics Toolbox for Python:
https://github.com/petercorke/robotics-toolbox-python
Paper: Robotic Manipulation and Capture in Space: A survey
Paper: Review of in-space assembly technologies

• Course title: Robotic Manipulation in Space II (elective course)
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-55
• Module(s): Robotic Manipulation in Space II (elective course)
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: No

Learn fundamental algorithmic approaches for the application of robotic manipulation in a structured environment, while giving students a hands-on experience with robotics hardware. 

Understand the different software components required to have a real robotic system executing tasks.
Use algorithmic approaches to control a real robotic arm to execute tasks for space robotic manipulation scenarios.
Practical understanding of robot kinematics, motion planning, task planning and execution.
Apply and integrate his/her knowledge on robotic manipulation and    problem-solving skills to a space robotic use case.   
Understand the complexity behind the development of intelligent robotic system for space
Improve academic writing and presentation skills.

Introduction
Software and Hardware Setup
Seminar1: Space Hardware
Introduction to Motion Planning with Moveit2
Moveit2 GUI
Moveit2 Python Interface
Seminar2: Space Software
Practical session Forward kinematics and inverse kinematics
Pick and Place
Simulation environments

Combined assessment: Presentation 15%  Demo 35% Final project 50%

Online: ROS package Phantomx Pincher Arm:
github.com/snt-spacer/phantomx_pincher
Online: MoveIt Motion Planing Library:
MoveIt Capabilities Overview:https://youtube.com/watch?v=7KvF7Dj7bz0
 MoveIt Tutorials:
 https://ros-planning.github.io/moveit_tutorials
Book: Introduction to Robotics: Mechanics and Control, John J. Craig. Pearson, 4th Edition, 2022.
Online: Robotic Manipulation Course MIT
https://manipulation.csail.mit.edu/
Paper: Robotic Manipulation and Capture in Space: A survey

• Course title: Computer Vision and Image Analysis (elective course)
• Number of ECTS: 6
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-61
• Module(s): Computer Vision and Image Analysis (elective course)
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

• Course title: Software testing (elective course)
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-57
• Module(s): Software testing (elective course)
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: No

The course will cover both the fundamentals and advanced topics of software testing.

In particular, it will emphasize practical techniques that are applicable to software programs in the space domain.

After completing the course, the students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
Key concepts and principles of software testing
Practical testing techniques applicable to testing software in the space domain 
Advanced topics related to software testing problems 

The course content will cover: 
Introduction to software quality and testing  
Data-flow testing 
Model-based testing 
Mutation testing 
Fuzzing 
Search-based testing  
Symbolic execution 
Advanced testing topics 

Combined assessment

This course does not require textbooks. 
Relevant books and scientific papers will be suggested throughout the course. 
Some useful books are: 
1/ I. Sommerville. Software Engineering, 9th ed. Pearson, 2011. 
2/ M. Pezzè and M. Young. Software Testing and Analysis: Process, Principles and Techniques. Wiley, 2008 

• Course title: Machine Learning (elective course)
• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-60
• Module(s): Machine Learning (elective course)
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: No

This course covers the fundamental principles of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that are the core drive of various applications such as machine translation, autonomous driving, speech recognition, face recognition, and automatic scheduling.  
The objective of this course is to equip the students with necessary tools and skills that help them tackle emerging and existing AI problems. Moreover, the students will also learn about the limitations and ethical concerns of AI.

After completing the course, the students will be able to:  
Define what AI is 
Apply the principles of problem solving using various basic searching algorithms  
Use different methods for knowledge representation and reasoning  
Distinguish different forms of learning  
Explain the fundamentals of natural language processing (NLP) and use various NLP techniques 

The course will cover: 
Introduction to AI
Problem solving by searching
Knowledge representation and reasoning
Machine Learning 1/Deep learning , 2/Reinforcement learning
Natural language processing (NLP) 1/Traditional NLP ; 2/Large language models
Ethical consideration of AI

End-of-course assessment

Russell, S. J., Norvig, P. (2022). Artificial intelligence a modern approach (4th ed.). London.  
Jurafsky, D., Martin, J. H. (2024) Speech and Language Processing: An Introduction to Natural Language Processing (3rd ed.), Computational Linguistics, and Speech Recognition. 

• Course title: Master Thesis
• Number of ECTS: 30
• Course code: F1_MAINTERSPACE-63
• Module(s): Master Thesis
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

The master thesis defense consists of:

i) A presentation of 30 minutes by the student

ii) A question answer session of up to 15 minutes