• Number of ECTS: 1
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-8
• Module(s): CubeSatLab/Design I
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

  Goal of the course: •project based learning of satellite system engineering Means: •design of a cubesat mission

  1.translate scientific space objectives into system requirements 2.space mission analysis, spacecraft design and data processing 3.space project management 4.software programming tools and hardware

* ISM class 2019 is a design team divided into engineering groups:  1.system 2.power 3.communication 4.attitude determination and control 5.data handling 6.payload  * each group works independently and syncs with team weekly * topical lectures

• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-7
• Module(s): Introduction to Space Robotics
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

To introduce students to History of robotics technology and challenge to space missions. ROS2. Guidance, navigations and control for Space Robotics. The use of the LeoRover, the planetary robots available in the LunaLab.

Having taken this course students will be able to General Introduction of planetary, orbital and space manipulation challenges and objectives (Prof. Yoshida). Basic knowledge of ROS 2. How to implement and use ROS 2 Topics, Gazebo simulator and RVIZ. Understanding the LeoRover and ROS 2: How are developed and hardware and software characteristics. Interacting with LeoRover on the Gazebo simulator. Conceptual Introduction to Guidance, Navigation and Control for Space Robotics

In this course the students will have their first contact with ROS 2, learning basic concepts of Topics and running examples with the virtual version of the LeoRover to be used in the second semester, using Gazebo and RVIZ. They will have an introduction of different space robotics missions considering planetary, orbital and manipulators to understand the importance of robotics in the past, current and future Space missions.

·         Individual work ·         Peer Assessment ·         Final Exam   All written work MUST be submitted digitally in PDF-format. All assignments will be checked for plagiarism.

A review of space robotics technologies for on-orbit servicing. Angel Flores-Abad, Ou Ma, K.Pham, S.Ulrich. Progress in Aerospace Sciences, 2014 A Survey of Space Robotics. L. Pedersen, D. Kortenkamp, D. Wettergreen, I. Nourbakhsh. NASA technical reports, 2003 Space robotics in Europe: A survey. P. Putz. Robotics and Autonomous Systems. 1998 A Concise Introduction to Robot Programming with ROS2, by Francisco Martín Rico

• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-3
• Module(s): Satellite communications & Security
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

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 ·         Comm aspects of deep space scientific missions  

 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.   

  Attendance is mandatory to both lectures and labs  ·           Course project : The students will be offered a range of project topics relevant to the delivered lectures. They will have to work in pairs throughout the semester to investigate their topic of preference and deliver the results in the form of presentation. Course lab : The students will attend a series of lab sessions where they have to follow the instructions and complete the lab projects under the guidance of the lab assistants. ===================== Course Project: 60% of total grade or maximum points The grade will depend on the quality of the presentation material and delivery, as well as the performance during the Q&A session Course Lab: 40% of total grade or maximum points The grade will depend on the successful completion of the lab experiments   Students are expected to go through the suggested readings before attending the lecture/lab. Suggested readings will be available on Moodle.    

  –        Main textbook: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Satellite+Communications+Systems%3A+Systems%2C+Techniques+and+Technology%2C+5th+Edition-p-9780470714584   –        Advanced topics: https://www2.theiet.org/resources/books/telecom/sat-com-5g.cfm   –        Advanced topics: https://www.elsevier.com/books/cooperative-and-cognitive-satellite-systems/chatzinotas/978-0-12-799948-7  

• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-2
• Module(s): Space informatics
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

After completing the course, the students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: Organization of computer systems Operating systems Programming in Python Basic algorithms and data structures Software development principles and tools  

The course will cover the fundamentals of informatics for application in the space domain. The course will feature two parallel tracks: “Informatics Fundamentals” and “Introduction to Programming”.The track “Informatics Fundamentals” will cover:Introduction to computer systemsOperating systemsData representation and file formatsPrinciples of programming languagesFundamentals of software engineeringFundamentals of networkingApplications of computingLimitations of computingThe track “Introduction to Programming” will cover:Python essentials (variables, data structures, control instructions, methods)Object oriented programming in PythonBasic algorithms and data structuresPython communication primitives and librariesQuality assurance for Python: methods and frameworksScientific computing in Python: numpy and pandasNotebooks and virtual environments: Jupyter, Conda, pip, Docker

The evaluation will be done through a final exam (50%) and through practical exercises (50%).

Selected chapters from the following books will be suggested throughout the course: –          Paul Gries, Jennifer Campbell, Jason Montojo. Practical Programming, Third Edition – An Introduction to Computer Science Using Python 3.6. The Pragmatic Programmers. 2017. ISBN: 9781680502688 –          Nell Dale and John Lewis.Computer Science Illuminated (7th ed). Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc., USA. 2020. ISBN: 9781284155617

• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-4
• Module(s): Space Policy, Law, & Ethics
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

 

Having taken this course students will be able to Understand the policy making in the area of the exploration and use of outer space, especially in the UN and in Europe Understand the interface between international law and policy and national law and policy Understand the system of authorization of space activities, and its consequences Understand the system of allocation of frequency bands to space services, and assignment of radio frequencies to radio stations Be aware of ethical aspects of space activities, especially the Ethics Appraisal Procedure applicable to the EU financed projects.

 28.9. 2-4.30 Introduction, criteria for exams, literature, and documents, Mahulena Hofmann with Laetitia Zarkan  5.10. 2-4.30 Outer Space Treaty, Mahulena Hofmann 12.10. 2-4.30 Other UN Space Treaties, Mahulena Hofmann 19.10. 2-4.30 Lunar Governance: Legal Aspects, Mahulena Hofmann 26.10. 2-4.30 COSPAR, Environmental Protection of Outer Space, UN Resolutions, Mahulena Hofmann, Gabrielle Leterre 2.11. 2-4.30 European Space Activities, Mahulena Hofmann 16.11. 2-4.30 ITU Constitution and Convention, Laetitia Zarkan 23.11. 2-4.30 Cyber Law and Outer Space, PJ Blount and Laetitia Zarkan 30.11. 2-4.30 Ethics in Space Activities, Mahulena Hofmann and PJ Blount 14.12. 2-4.30 Space Activities from the Interdisciplinary Perspective, Discussion, Mahulena Hofmann.

Major Assignments: Each class will include a group activity or project and students will be evaluated on their performance in these in-class activities.   Group memo 1: Space Policy (10%) Group memo 2: Outer Space Treaty (10%) Group memo 3: Other UN Space Treaties (10%) Group memo 4: Lunar Governance (10%) Group memo 5: Environmental Protection (10%) Group memo 7: ITU Constitution and Convention (10%) Group memo 8: ITU Radio Regulations (10%) Group memo 6: Swarm/Constellation sats (10%) Group memo 9: Ethical Criteria (10%)   Course Grading: Class attendance: 10% of total grade Group memos: 90 % of total grade

Tanja Masson Zwaan & Mahulena Hofmann, Introduction to Space Law, Kluwer 2019 Mahulena Hofmann (ed.), Ownership of Satellites, Nomos/ Hart 2017 Mahulena Hofmann (ed.), International Regulations of Space Communications: Current Issues, Larcier, 2013. P.J. Blount, “Space Security Law,” Oxford Encyclopedia of Planetary Sciences, 2018, https://oxfordre.com/planetaryscience/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190647926.001.0001/acrefore-9780190647926-e-73?rskey=DI3b9Q&result=14 P.J. Blount, “A Satellite is Just a Thing on the Internet of Things,” 42/3 Air and Space Law 273-294 (2017) P.J. Blount, ““Renovating Space: The Future of International Space Law,” 40 Denver Journal of International Law and Policy 515 (2012) Francis Lyall, "International Communications: the International Communications Union and the Universal Postal Union", Routledge 2016. 

• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-6
• 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 the role of the project manager. This will be done through a course (15h) lead by Philippe Kletzkine who will cover the points described below, and by exercises classes (30h) lead my 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.   

For each student the overall grade will be a weighted average of grades for: Class attendance, active and constructive participation, feedback and course evaluation         Individual project report(s) Team project report(s) Project presentation(s) showing the students' understanding of the course material and of their own project report(s)

Space Project Management ECSS documents (references to be announced) and small number of general purpose ESA publications as background information (references to be announced)

• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-1
• Module(s): Space Resources Fundamentals
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course provides an overview of the space resources field, including the current knowledge of available resources in the Solar System, the technologies to extract and process them, the customers involved in the value chain, the space exploration architectures that may be enabled by utilizing extraterrestrial resources, the socio-economic, legal and policy issues, and the development of a space resources utilization plan.  Students will build a broad knowledge in the field of space resources, while developing confidence in the field through individual assignments, team projects, and class presentations.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO) 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. Block 1: Space Resources (ILO 1, 6) Block 2: Space resources system architectures (ILO 2, 3, 6) Block 3: Legal and regulatory frameworks (ILO 4, 5, 7) Block 4: Space resource utilization case study (ILO 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)

Block 1: Space Resources (ILO 1, 6)Block 2: Space resources system architectures (ILO 2, 3, 6)Block 3: Legal and regulatory frameworks (ILO 4, 5, 7)Block 4: Space resource utilization case study (ILO 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)

• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-44
• Module(s): Spacecraft Subsystem Design and Engineering (SSDE)
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

This course focusses on providing students with a practical understanding and knowledge of the many subsystems involved in the design and development of a spacecraft.

Having taken this course students will be able to acquire  the fundamental principle of how a spacecraft is a complex system composed of different subsystems with interdisciplinary dependencies acquire an overview on the various spacecraft subsystems as distinct disciplines in space engineering domain understand functions, design and analysis required to develop individual subsystems have a practical knowledge of various spacecraft subsystems

This course will cover the following topics:General space system principleOverview, function, and working of various spacecraft-subsystems (Attitude control, Power, Communications, Command and Data, Structure, Thermal, Propulsion, etc.)Design and analysis methods for each subsystemConstituting elements and components for each subsy

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

The students obtain an understanding of space mission engineering paying attention to: an holistic view to all technical and non-technical aspects such as law and business. The approach serves and benefits from the interdisciplinary nature of the master course realistic and relevant engineering with a perspective to launching in a 5 years time frame CubeSat as reference technology for modern space engineering for science and commerce  

The CubeSatLab course addresses the following learning outcomes of the ISM learning goals: translate scientific space objectives into system requirements space mission analysis, spacecraft design and data processing space project management software programming tools and hardware  

The CubeSatLab course consists of four parts:CubeSatLab/Design I: LEO astrodynamics, CubeSatsystem engineering and scientific applications for CubeSats with assignments using STKCubeSatLab/Design II: concurrent design of a CubeSat missionCubeSatLab/Build: hardware exercises in laboratoryCubeSatLab/Operations(administratively under the umbrella of CubeSatLab/Build): key aspects of satellite operations

Midterm presentation (20%) Final presentation (20%) Submission draft report section (ungraded) Full integrated report as pdf/docx and computational model (60%)

[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.

• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course number: 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: 1) kinematics and dynamics of spacecraft 2) orbital manoeuvres and trajectories; 3) sensors and actuators for satellites and spacecraft GNC; 4) mathematical description of GNC tasks; 5) introduction to control systems engineering; 6) algorithms for spacecraft GNC; and 7) 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

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

Professional competency: A thorough understanding of an autonomous system architecture A thorough understanding of the sensors solutions available A basic understanding of tools and frameworks to extract and process the data from the sensors A basic understanding of data filtering A basic understanding of the planning and generation of collision free path and trajectories Methodological competency: Ability to decompose all the parts of full autonomous system Individual competency: Ability to analyse and architect advanced autonomous space systems

After completing the course students will be able to: Identify and select the right sensor(s) for the different applications Extract data from the sensors using ROS Basic uses for image and cloud points processing algorithms Control of a lunar rover vehicle Use basic path planning algorithms on ROS Self-localization on an unknown environment Improve odometry using filtering algorithms

Engineering autonomous and intelligent space systems such as rovers or satellites that are capable of robust, long-term operations with little to no human-intervention is a challenging exercise. Advanced perception, planning and decision-making abilities need to be composed both on a technical and conceptual level into an overall architecture without sacrificing functional and non-functional requirements such as reliability, availability and robustness. The main objective of this course is not only to raise awareness of the impact of functional and architectural design decisions, but also to endow students with the knowledge to describe, analyze and develop dependable space systems with a high-degree of autonomy as required by space scenarios operating over a long-period of time in challenging and remote environments. This course will combine experiments on virtual and real environments using ROS. The real experiments are planned to be done at the LunaLab facility.

Final report and presentation; Lab projects

Springer Handbook of Robotics. Editors: Siciliano, Bruno, Khatib, Oussama. Springer 2008 Survey on Computer Vision for UAVs: Current Developments and Trends. C. Kanellakis, G. Nikolakopoulos. Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, 2017 A Survey of Optical Flow Techniques for Robotics Navigation Applications. H. Chao, Yu Gu, M. Napolitano. Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, 2014 A survey on coverage path planning for robotics E. Galceran, M.Carreras. Robotics and Autonomous Systems. 2013 Robotic Urban Search and Rescue: A Survey from the Control Perspective. Y. Liu, G. Nejat. Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, 2013 Additional scientific articles from the robotics, AI, perception, control, path planning domain.  

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

This course will introduce students to basic literacy in the language of business, with particular emphasis on space business.

Having taken this course students will be able to   Have a solid understanding of the elements of a business (e.g., value proposition, strategy, innovation, marketing, financeDescribe the space sector, its main players and its market dynamicsIdentify drivers for business success, particularly within the space sectorPerform a qualitative and quantitative high-level assessment of business opportunities, particularly within the space sector

This course will cover the following topics:Basics: creating value, business models, strategyInnovation: disruptive innovation, platforms, intellectual property rights, open innovation:Marketing: segmentation, positioning, 4PsFinance: fundamentalsThe course also features case studies, in which students will apply the concepts of the lecture to a real business case from the space sector

  4 case studies during the semester (15% each) and an oral exam in the exam period (40%).

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

This course has as main objectives to provide an answer to the question how space contributes to the global economy and for that the subsequent objectives are to introduce some fundamental knowledge and to give an overview (360 degree tour) on the space economy.

  Having taken this course students will be able to acquire the fundamental principle of the economy: production , distribution , or trade , and consumption of goods and services … acquire an overview on the space economy including drivers, eco-system, global value chain, market challenge … better understand the new space including change of paradigm better perform in the Space Business module  

This course will cover the following topics: General economy principleSpace Economy in FiguresMapping of the Space sector and Global value chainMain drivers and Market challengesSocio-Economic impacts of Space InvestmentsNew Space and on-going transformation of the global space sector

  Preparation, submission, and presentation of an individual assignment for each of the three parts of the lecture (in Lecture 6, 10, and 14). Presentations will last 5-10 minutes per student and will be followed by another 5-10 minutes of feedback and reflection. The topics will be announced and assigned two weeks before the presentation date.  

• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-20
• Module(s): Space informatics II
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

After completing the course, the students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: • System programming using the C language• Fundamental software testing approaches used in industry• Software standards applied by ESA

The course will feature two parallel tracks: “System Programming” and “Software Testing andStandards”.The track “System Programming” will cover:• From low-level programming languages to high-level programming languages and back• Basic features of the C programming language• Advanced features of the C programming language• Elements of the C standard library• Build process• System interfacesThe track “Software Testing and Standards” will cover:• Specification-based testing• Structural testing• Designing for testability• Test-driven development• ECSS standards• Documenting the testing process according to ECSS standards

 Assignments throughout the course (50% of the final grade) + final exam (50% of the final grade).

– Selected chapters from the following books (available through a-z.lu) will be suggestedthroughout the course:- Slobodan Dmitrovic. Modern C for absolute beginners: a friendly introduction to the Cprogramming language. APress. 2021- Stephen Kochan. Programming in C. Addison-Wesley 2014- Robert Seacord. Effective C: an introduction to professional C programming. No Starch Press2020- Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie. The C Programming Language (2nd ed). Prentice Hall,1988- Mauricio Aniche. Effective Software Testing. Manning Publications, 2022- Aditya P. Mathur. Foundations of Software Testing (2nd ed). Pearson, 2014

• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course number: 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, refining, manufacturing, and construction systems and their integration into a detailed space resource utilization plan.  Students will build an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of the field of space resources, while developing confidence in solving a variety of engineering problems, as well as the accompanying economic, societal, environmental, and sustainability implications.

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to: Identify aerospace engineering practices and technologies relevant to the development of space resources and list and contrast the various spacecraft systems and instruments to be used for the prospecting, extraction, and utilization of in situ resources Identify space mining technologies being developed for lunar, asteroidal, and planetary applications, and evaluate the feasibility and readiness of current excavation, beneficiation, drilling, and transportation systems Identify resource extraction and processing technologies being developed for lunar, asteroidal, and planetary applications, and evaluate the feasibility and readiness of current extraction systems for volatiles, minerals, metals, non-metals, and atmospheric gases Describe the objective and status of space manufacturing and construction systems, categorize the technologies being developed to create products and build parts from in situ raw materials and evaluate the business case of the various companies currently participating in this field Analyze space resource utilization systems from the economic, legal, societal, environmental, and sustainability points of view Create a complete space resource utilization plan that incorporates prospecting instruments, excavation and drilling equipment, extraction and processing systems, and manufacturing/construction technologies, including a quantitative analysis of material flows, power, mass, and volume requirements, and legal, environmental, and socio-economic considerations

This course will cover the following topics: 1) spacecraft systems and space instruments, 2) remote sensing and surface prospecting technologies, 3) excavation, beneficiation, drilling, and transportation equipment, 4) extraction, refining, and processing systems, 5) manufacturing and construction technologies, 6) economic, legal, societal, environmental, and sustainability issues, and 7) systems integration into space resource utilization plan.

Individual work Quizzes Presentations Peer Assessment Final Team project   All written work MUST be submitted digitally in PDF-format. All assignments will be checked for plagiarism.

• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-13
• Module(s): Spacecraft design and Subsystems engineering
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: No

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 engineeringGeneral space system principlesApplication 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

• Number of ECTS: 5
• Course number: MICS2-46
• Module(s): Computer Vision and Image Analysis
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

Overview of the fundamental tools of computer vision and image analysis, Presentation of selected timely research topics, consolidated through a dedicated practical class project.  Introduction to the computer vision field and its concepts. Present to the students the major tools used in Computer Vision. Preparation to pursue research in the field or related ones (e.g. master project, PhD thesis).    

This course gives an overview of the fundamental tools of computer vision and image analysis, with a presentation of selected timely research topics, consolidated through a dedicated practical class project. This course serves as an introduction to the field and its concepts. At the end of the course, students should have grasped major concepts used in Computer Vision and Image Analysis. The labs will introduce students to computer vision tools used in space missions. For Fall 2020, the Z ero-G lab will not be operational. Alternative practical sessions will be organized. The course is also a preparation to pursue research in the field or related ones (e.g. master project, PhD thesis).

The course outline is as follows:Introduction, review of mathematical toolsFeature extraction and matchingImage/object classification and scene understandingDeep Learning: from basics to applications Multi-view imagingMotion estimation and tracking3D VisionLabs on earth observation Labs on spacecraft pose estimation

Homeworks (average of all): 10% Midterm Exam: 30% Semester Project: 40% Labs: 20%

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

Grade for: – final presentation – report

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

The course provides a bird’s-eye view of important fundamentals of entrepreneurship.  

–       – Understand and critically evaluate business problems from the perspective of entrepreneurship –       – Gain deep knowledge on the entire startup process (from ideation to venture exit) –       – Gain evidence-based insights on entrepreneurship rooted in latest research – Apply the 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-       Design thinking-       Entrepreneurial marketing-       Entrepreneurial finance-       Entrepreneurial growth-       Entrepreneurial exit-       Select types of entrepreneurship (e.g., social entrepreneurship)The course also features case studies, in which students will apply the concepts of the lecture to real business cases, preferrably from the space sector.

Individual and/or team work (case study assignments) Written or oral final Exam

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

Having taken this course students will be able to describe the principles of GNSS based positioning methods, the main components in a satellite navigation system and their functions account for and analyse the influence of different error sources on the positioning precision implement basic algorithms for estimation of GNSS based applications plan, perform and process precise GNSS measurements formulate examples of the role of GNSS, or GNSS type products and services, in space

This course will cover the following topics: Review of Global Navigation Satellite Systems Coordinate systems in geometric satellite geodesy Satellite orbital motionGNSS signalsGNSS observations equations Adjustment and filtering methodsApplications of GNSS signals for environmental modellingAll labs and implementations based on MATLAB

Grading 50% TvD/50% ST Grading TvD 25% Class participation (flipped classroom concept) 75% Independent/Team work NO EXAM Grading ST 100% final exam—only on the subject matter presented by ST

• Number of ECTS: 4
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-34
• Module(s): Machine Learning
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

The course aims to provide an overview of supervised, semi-supervised, and unsupervised machine learning techniques (e.g., classification, regression, clustering, and time series modeling) and evolutionary computation (e.g., genetic algorithms). The course also aims to introduce the students to space applications of such techniques.

– Learn the foundations of machine learning;- Learn the foundations of evolutionary computation;- Learn the foundations of deep learning and artificial neural networks;- Familiarize with applications of machine learning in space-related problems.    

The course is a mixture of lectures, workshops, and a practical project.The lectures will focus on introducing the fundamental concepts of machine learning whereas the workshops will interactively demonstrate these concepts. The students will also undertake a practical project to deepen their understanding and gain hands-on experience. This project will have space-related objectives and the realization will be team-based.

– Technical assignment (TA);- Research assignment (RA);- Exam (E).The final grading formula is: (TA+RA+2*E)/4.

• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-30
• Module(s): Practical Aspects of Entrepreneurship
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

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 pitchingThe 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 features pitching in front of real investors.

Course work: Individual and/or team work (assignments for different business tools)

• Number of ECTS: 3
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-35
• Module(s): Robotic Manipulation in Space
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

• Number of ECTS: 6
• Course number: 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.

• Number of ECTS: 30
• Course number: F1_MAINTERSPACE-36
• Module(s): Master thesis
• Language: EN
• Mandatory: Yes

The thesis must be related to the space domain and cover a scientific topic within the scope of the ISM.The Master thesis project may be carried out at the University of Luxembourg within a research group that is involved in the ISM and conducting space-related research. Alternatively, the thesis project may also be carried out in collaboration with industry, other universities, public research institutions or space agencies such as ESA, NASA etc. Those students planning to pursue a professional career in Luxembourg’s space industry are encouraged to undertake research for their thesis in collaboration with industry.In general, the students are required to autonomously search for a suitable Master thesis. The research groups of the University of Luxembourg involved in the ISM might offer thesis topics on request where the head of the research group acts as point of contact. With respect to the mentioned industrial partner collaborations, but also for other external partner institutions, the ISM SPA will provide a list of currently offered thesis topics and points of contact, respectively.

Oral defense of the thesis: To finish the thesis, the student must successfully defend the thesis in an oral defense before the Thesis Committee. The thesis defense consists of – A presentation of 30 minutes by the candidate – A question and answer period of up to 30 minutes – A phase of deliberation where the Thesis Committee determines the grade and decides whether revisions of the thesis are required. Assessment of the Master thesis: – Marks are defined in accordance with the document “Student assessment at the University of Luxembourg – Academic procedure”. – Herein, the written thesis counts for 80% of the total mark, while the defense counts for 20%. – Like any other grade, marks given by the Master Thesis Committee will be validated by the Board of Examiners of the Master programme. In case of a revision of the thesis, the mark will only be validated upon receipt of the final revised Master thesis.