Spacecraft Design

Spacecraft design is a highly interdisciplinary field within aerospace engineering focused on the conception, planning, and creation of vehicles, such as satellites, probes, and crewed capsules, intended for operation in outer space. This complex process involves balancing numerous competing requirements to meet specific mission objectives while surviving the harsh environment of space, which includes vacuum, extreme temperatures, and radiation. Engineers must integrate a wide array of subsystems—including structures, propulsion, power generation, thermal control, guidance and navigation, and communications—into a cohesive and reliable system capable of successfully completing its scientific, commercial, or exploratory mission.

1. Fundamentals of Spacecraft Design
   1. Introduction to Space Missions
      1. Mission Types
         1. Scientific Exploration
            1. Planetary Science Missions
            2. Astrophysics Missions
            3. Heliophysics Missions
            4. Space Environment Monitoring
         2. Earth Observation
            1. Remote Sensing
            2. Weather Monitoring
            3. Environmental Monitoring
            4. Resource Mapping
         3. Communication
            1. Fixed Satellite Services
            2. Mobile Satellite Services
            3. Broadcast Services
         4. Navigation
            1. Global Navigation Satellite Systems
            2. Regional Navigation Systems
         5. Human Spaceflight
            1. Crewed Orbital Missions
            2. Crewed Lunar and Planetary Missions
            3. Space Tourism
         6. Commercial and Industrial
            1. Space Manufacturing
            2. In-Orbit Servicing
            3. Space Mining
            4. Technology Demonstration
      2. The Spacecraft Mission Lifecycle
         1. Phase 0: Mission Concept and Feasibility
            1. Stakeholder Identification
            2. Initial Mission Objectives
            3. Feasibility Studies
            4. Preliminary Cost Estimates
         2. Phase A: Preliminary Analysis and Technology Development
            1. Trade Studies
            2. Technology Readiness Assessment
            3. Concept of Operations
         3. Phase B: Preliminary Design and Definition
            1. System Requirements Definition
            2. Preliminary Design Review
            3. Risk Assessment
         4. Phase C: Detailed Design
            1. Detailed Engineering Design
            2. Critical Design Review
            3. Prototyping
         5. Phase D: Fabrication, Assembly, Integration, and Test
            1. Manufacturing
            2. Subsystem Integration
            3. System Integration
            4. Verification Testing
         6. Phase E: Launch and Operations
            1. Launch Preparation
            2. Commissioning
            3. Routine Operations
            4. Data Collection and Downlink
         7. Phase F: Decommissioning and Disposal
            1. End-of-Life Planning
            2. Passivation Procedures
            3. De-orbiting or Relocation
   2. The Space Environment
      1. The Vacuum of Space
         1. Outgassing
            1. Material Selection for Low Outgassing
            2. Effects on Optical Surfaces
         2. Cold Welding
            1. Mechanisms of Cold Welding
            2. Prevention Techniques
         3. Material Sublimation
            1. Temperature-Dependent Sublimation
            2. Protective Coatings
      2. The Gravitational Environment
         1. Microgravity Effects
            1. Impact on Fluids and Materials
            2. Biological Effects
         2. Gravity Gradients and Tidal Forces
            1. Attitude Disturbances
            2. Structural Implications
      3. The Thermal Environment
         1. Solar Radiation
            1. Solar Constant
            2. Solar Incidence Angles
         2. Albedo
            1. Albedo Variability
            2. Impact on Thermal Balance
         3. Planetary Infrared Radiation
            1. Earth IR Emission
            2. Lunar and Planetary IR
         4. Deep Space Background Temperature
            1. Cosmic Microwave Background
            2. Implications for Cooling
      4. The Radiation Environment
         1. Van Allen Belts
            1. Inner and Outer Belt Characteristics
            2. Shielding Requirements
         2. Solar Flares and Coronal Mass Ejections
            1. Solar Particle Events
            2. Space Weather Forecasting
         3. Galactic Cosmic Rays
            1. High-Energy Particle Effects
            2. Long-Term Exposure Risks
         4. Effects on Electronics and Materials
            1. Single Event Effects
            2. Total Ionizing Dose
            3. Material Degradation
      5. Particulate Environment
         1. Micrometeoroids
            1. Impact Risk Assessment
            2. Shielding Techniques
         2. Orbital Debris
            1. Debris Environment Models
            2. Collision Avoidance Strategies
      6. The Plasma Environment
         1. Spacecraft Charging
            1. Surface Charging
            2. Internal Charging
            3. Discharge Events
         2. Plasma Drag
            1. Low Earth Orbit Effects
            2. Mitigation Strategies