This course introduces the space mission development from the space operators point-of-view. Often ignored until later in the development cycle, this mission operator perspective allows the development of a cost effective mission across all mission elements. Lessons explore the challenge of designing and implementing space mission operations in a practical, cost-effective way in the real world. Taking a functional approach, the course provides an in-depth view of the entirety of space mission operations, including the concept of operations and all functions that are performed in support of a space mission. Discussions focus on initial requirements definition, operations concept development, functional allocation among spacecraft, payload, ground system and operators. Students get extensive hands-on experience with a variety of mission operations modelling tools to understand physical constraints and appreciate the impact of programmatic trade-offs. Case studies of ongoing NASA, DoD and commercial missions are examined.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
Define and explain the critical activities of space mission operations
Develop a mission concept of operations (ConOps) and be able to critically analyse one of these key documents
Describe the elements that contribute to mission operations complexity and perform trade-off analyses to reduce that complexity
Apply principles of orbital mechanics to plan and implement key operations activities
Describe and analyze key elements of mission ground systems including communication link budgets
Compare and contrast operations concepts for military, civil, scientific and human space missions
Develop the planning, execution and support requirements for real-time space mission operations
Course Topics
Mission Operations Overview
Operations Planning
Tracking and Navigation
Mission Data Receipt and Delivery
Spacecraft Support and Analysis
Flight Control and Training
Unique Features of Online Course
18 guided lectures – presented by several of TSTI’s award winning instructors; the equivalent of a semester-long course
Continuous feedback on your progress through lesson review questions and quizzes
Explore each topic in-depth via exercises and case studies using missions operations modelling tools to apply what you’ve learned each step of the way
100% self-paced – you have up to 6 months to complete the course on your own time when it is convenient
Please allow for up to two working days for our team to send you login credentials.
