The main objective of the course is to contribute to the education of the mechatronic engineer, providing the basic knowledge on missions and space systems that represent an application field of relevant interest for the most innovative solutions of mechatronic engineering. The course offers a path aimed at learning knowledge and skills training in the field of Space Systems, i.e. complex innovative systems featuring novel technology, integrated within modern engineering systems for transport and telecommunications, and used for societal services like navigation, remote sensing and monitoring, and Internet of Things. The course therefore aims at developing in the student a multidisciplinary and critical mindset, providing the basic knowledge and tools necessary to understand Space Missions and the Systems that carry them out. Modern Space Systems are characterized by a high degree of complexity, mainly due to the multiple relationships and interactions between the elements that constitute the system itself and the different systems that contribute to the realization of the Space Mission. The skills acquired throughout the course are functional to support and encourage the student's inclusion in a high-profile professional context, in industry and in research centres in the aerospace domain and related fields, such as the automotive industry and robotics in general.

The purpose of the course is to provide the basic knowledge of space missions and systems, helping the development of capabilities in formulation and solution of problems related to the design, realization and operation of space systems. Students will attain basic knowledge of the following topics: space system types, their application context, and ground support systems; technical features of on-board systems and subsystems, both in terms of operation tasks and necessary technologies. Specific objectives are knowledge of: specificities of space missions in terms of operational and functional characteristic; different types of space systems (both manned and unmanned) in orbit (satellites, probed, transfer vehicles, space stations) and on ground for planetary exploration (landers, rovers, and permanent habitats); space operational environment ad spaceflight mechanics most relevant operational orbits on board subsystems; relative dependence among mission requirements/constraints and features of the space systems, and relations at the system-subsystem lavel;

Basic knowledge of physics, mechanics and thermodynamics.

Space systems Introduction to the concept of system as integration of several systems and elements. System engineering as an approach and method for the design and operation of space systems and missions (3h). Introduction to the application context od space systems: challenges and opportunities of space exploration and exploitation(1.5h) Space environment and ots effect on space systems (3h). Type of space systems in the gereral context of space missions: orbital systems (satellites, probes, transport vehicles)m surface systems(landers, rovers), launchers, ground stations (4.5h). Payloads (3h). Electric power generation, storage, conditioning and distribution: electric power system (3h). Thermal protection and control (3h). Telecommunication system (3h). Data and command handling (3h) Astrodynamics principles of spaceflight mechanics: two-body problem, angular momentum and energy of orbits, keplerian orbits. orbital elements, reference systems, and ground track (5h). Geocentric orbits: classification, orbital transfers with impulses, orbital perturbations and their effect of orbital elements (5h). Relative motion and GNC: relative motion equations, exaples of proximity maneuvers, rendezvous and docking.equazioni del moto relativo tra due satelliti in orbita, esempi di manovre di prossimità, rendezvous and docking, strategie di Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC)(5h). Rigid body rotational dynamics: Euler equations for rotational motion, Euler's angles and quaternions, torque-free motion and active attitude control (5h). Propulsion system Principles of space propulsion, thrust and specific impulse (3 h). Maneuvers, structural loads during launch (4.5 h). Chemical propulsion and electric propulsion: thrusters and operations, subsystems (7.5 h). Feed systems (3 h).

Theoretical foundations of each topic will be given in traditional in-class lectures (45 h). In-class lectures will be complemented by exercises and simulation examples, which will be partly solved in class and partly left to students for completion as homework (15 h).

Cornelisse, J.W., Schoyer, H.F.R., and Wakker, K.F., Rocket Propulsion and Spaceflight Dynamics, Pitman, London, 1979.

Slides;

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula);

Exam: Written test;

... The exam is written, with multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions. The length is 1.5 hours. Maximum mark 30/30.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.