ATI's Introduction to Space course

Summary: This three-day course serves as either an introductory first course or a refresher course. It appeals to those new to the field as well as specialists who want a broader look at the fundamentals of contemporary space system design and application. Topics include: FUNDAMENTALS: A look at the challenging environment of space and what it means to specific designs; the rudiments of orbital mechanics vis-à-vis mission/orbit selection and the common orbits that result from this process; how propulsion systems work and are used for a variety of popular missions. APPLICATIONS: Descriptions of prominent space system applications (Communications, Remote Sensing, Navigation), how they have evolved, the basic characteristics of each applications mission and system design, the aspirations of users of these space systems and the expanding system definition requirements that stem from these user goals. DESIGN: The derivative mission and system design concepts that have evolved to meet applications; spacecraft subsystems, launch systems, ground systems and operations and contemporary pacing technologies; the mission and system design process including cost and schedule guidelines. Throughout the course, descriptive examples of notable systems, both historic and current, are used to illuminate each topic. The course also stresses the ways in which space systems influence the many aspects of our daily lives. Instructors: Samuel W. (Walt) McCandless, Jr. has been involved with nearly every aspect of space system design and implementation beginning with the first Lunar landing of Surveyor-1 in 1966 (Test Director), first Oceanographic satellite, SEASAT in 1978 (Program Manager) and most recently RADARSAT-2 (Chief Engineer). In 1978 he founded User Systems, Inc., which has provided continuous support to government and industry clients engaged in the design and application of space and airborne remote sensing systems. He was the inaugural recipient of the Navy Space Command Chair at the U.S Naval Academy in 1984 and has taught for ATI since 1997. Bruce A. Campbell is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School with a Masters Degree in Space Systems Engineering. He returned to the Naval Academy in 1985 and helped establish the Astronautics Program and Curriculum. He and McCandless authored the text "Introduction to Space Sciences and Spacecraft Applications" which is the basis for this course and continues to be used at the Naval Academy and other academic institutions as well. Bruce joined NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in 1989 where he has conducted systems engineering for in-space projects including the Space Station, TRMM, and most recently as Project Manager for the TIMED project. What You Will Learn: Fundamentals of rocket and missile systems. The spectrum of rocket uses and technologies. Differences in technology between foreign and domestic rocket systems. Fundamentals and uses of solid and liquid rocket systems. Differences between systems built as weapons and those built for commerce. Who Should Attend: This course was designed to be the cornerstone for anyone interested in learning the basics about spacecraft and the missions they perform. Because of the fundamental and popular nature of the presentation material, detailed prior technical knowledge is not required. The course content and material is relevant for civilian and military personnel. It is for those new to the field (including space enthusiasts) as well as area specialists, operators, and non-technical persons involved in space systems development and operation. It covers space-related topics from A to Z, allowing course graduates to "talk the talk" and understand the basics of this diverse field. Course Outline: History of Space flight. Manned and unmanned space flight. Spacecraft Environment. Cosmology, Solar Radiation, Electromagnetic Radiation, Particle Radiation, Radiation Belts, the Ionosphere, the Atmosphere, Spacecraft Effects, Man in Space. Orbital Mechanics. Mission driven design principles. Orbital elements and properties. Orbit establishment, maintenance and transfer. Propulsion and Launch Systems. First principles, staging, launch vehicle options, launch timing, launch pad location. Satellite Communications. Communications theory, antenna theory, power budget, modulation, digital communications and communication satellites. Remote Sensing. Remote sensing principles, spatial performance, spectral or radiometric performance, temporal performance and revisit time, and remote sensing satellites. Satellite Navigation. Position determination using Doppler techniques, pulse ranging and phase difference positioning, and navigation satellites. Space Systems. Payload and mission specific systems. Spacecraft bus: power, attitude reference and control, data handling, etc. Ground Support Systems. Launch, tracking orbital operations and data collection. Mission Design. The design process: systems engineering, system life cycle, and system acquisition. Payload and mission design. Pacing Technologies and Future Design Trends. Payload design trends: communication, remote sensing and navigation. System design trends: data handling, attitude determination, power, large structures, launch systems, survivability, reconstitution, small or lower cost satellites and standardization. Tuition: Please call us at 410-956-8805 or send an email to ati@ATIcourses.com for pricing informatio. Register Now Without Obligation