Small Satellite Development and Experimentation

3 Credits.

The capstone course in the Space Systems Engineering Program will introduce practical methods and tools used for evaluating the design and implementation of space systems—with a particular focus on small satellites and CubeSats. This will be principally achieved through a significant experimentation laboratory component intended to reinforce analytical experience with empirical exposure and insight. The laboratory will build on prior foundational understanding of spacecraft subsystem design and performance, through a structured series of experiments and investigations to be conducted both individually and in small student teams. It will utilize tabletop satellite simulator kits that are especially designed for hands-on educational purposes, while drawing heavily on the analysis methods and tools developed in the Fundamentals of Engineering Space Systems I/II sequence. All work is aimed at preparing for and executing a single long-residency-weekend exercise, nominally held during the final quarter, typically within the last three weekends of the semester in the Baltimore area. The lab component will have a mandatory set of core hours. The residency-lab will meet the Friday (4p-8p) and Saturday (9a-8p). Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodations, as required. Following residency weekend, only final laboratory deliverables and any remaining assignments are due per provided instructions.