EGB347 Space Vehicles and Systems
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EGB347 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (EGB345 or EGH421) and EGB243 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Proficiency in MATLAB programming environment and control theory is assumed knowledge |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EGB347 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (EGB345 or EGH421) and EGB243 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Proficiency in MATLAB programming environment and control theory is assumed knowledge |
Overview
This unit offers a general introduction to space technology. It provides foundational principles of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics, spacecraft as a system of subsystems, and foundational knowledge in space robotics, including robotic systems used in orbital servicing and planetary exploration. The unit also offers insights into the technologies and components that support and enable space missions, flight operations and aerospace integration. This unit is ideal for those seeking a broad understanding of aerospace systems and their applications in modern space missions.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply fundamental principles of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics to describe spacecraft orbits, predict perturbations, and calculate common manoeuvres and their requirements
- Analyse and evaluate the basic design of major spacecraft subsystems, and explain how subsystem interactions affect spacecraft and mission performance
- Evaluate key technologies and applications of spacecraft, launch vehicles, and space robotics, including their roles in orbital servicing, planetary exploration, and modern civilian systems
- Apply foundational aerospace systems knowledge to interpret technical information relevant to spacecraft, rockets, and space mission technologies
Content
- Orbital Dynamics
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Covers the principles governing spacecraft motion, including two‑body and multi‑body dynamics, orbital elements, perturbations, and orbital maneuvers. You will learn to analyse spacecraft trajectories, predict orbital evolution, and assess how orbital mechanics constraints influence mission design and performance.
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- Spacecraft Subsystems Design
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Introduces the functional design of major spacecraft subsystems such as power, propulsion, thermal control, attitude determination and control, communications, and structures. Emphasis is placed on subsystem sizing, performance trade‑offs, and the effects of subsystem interactions on overall spacecraft reliability, efficiency, and mission success.
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- Space Robotics
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Examines robotic systems used in space applications, including manipulators, autonomous spacecraft, and servicing robots. Topics include kinematics and dynamics in microgravity, guidance and control, sensing and autonomy, and the challenges of robotic interaction with spacecraft, space stations, and planetary environments.
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Learning Approaches
Teaching and learning in this unit will be delivered through a combination of live and pre-recorded lectures, tutorials, self-paced reading, individual problem solving and other student-centred activities. Across a number of contact hours, you will develop the technical and mathematical skills required to solve problems in the space technology context, supported by simulations in MATLAB. Learning activities will draw on industry practice and include demonstrations, applied exercises and collaborative work, all designed to promote creative, analytical and effective problem solving
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Formative feedback will occur through verbal tutor and peer group interactions throughout the semester. Written and verbal feedback will be provided for assignments and tutorial work.
Assessment
Overview
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics
This assignment focuses on developing a practical and theoretical understanding of orbit dynamics and orbit determination through the use of a computer-based simulation. Students will apply fundamental principles of orbital mechanics to model, analyse, and interpret the motion of space vehicles under realistic conditions.
The assignment draws on core topics including Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation, the two-body problem, Keplerian motion, and orbital elements. Using a simulated environment, students will investigate different types of orbits, such as circular, elliptical, and Earth-centred orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO), and examine how orbital parameters influence spacecraft trajectories.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems
This assignment focuses on the design and analysis of spacecraft subsystems within a realistic mission scenario. Students will apply systems engineering principles to design, analyse, and justify key spacecraft subsystems operating in a specified orbital environment. The assignment consists of three structured design questions, each addressing a different aspect of spacecraft subsystem design. Emphasis is placed on engineering justification, quantitative analysis, and clear documentation of assumptions and design decisions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination (Invigilated)
Examination is a mixture of recall of facts, problem solving using some of the techniques learnt in the class and analysis of these techniques under given circumstances.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
QUT Canvas site for this unit
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
Fortescue, Peter W.,.; Stark, John P. W.,.; Swinerd, Graham. Eds. Spacecraft systems engineering. 2011. 4th Edition
Griffin, M. D., French, J. R., Space vehicle design. 2004. AIAA. 2nd Edition
Vallado, D. A. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications. 2001. Kluwer Academic Press. 2nd Edition
Wertz, R. and W. J. Larson. Space Mission Analysis And Design, Third Edition. 1999. Space Technology Library, Kluwer Academic Press
Software
MATLAB and associated toolboxes
Risk Assessment Statement
In this unit, you will undertake lectures in the classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. The unit will require you to work in the software laboratories at QUT, and you will be required to perform the safety inductions for these laboratories. You are also to be aware of the Health and Safety protocols associated with software laboratory work.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated)
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated)
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Examination (Invigilated)
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated)
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Examination (Invigilated)
Relates to: ULO2, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated)
Relates to: ULO2, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated)
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated)
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated)
Relates to: Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated)
Relates to: ULO2
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems - Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Examination (Invigilated) - Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated) - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated) - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated) - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task - Orbital Dynamics, Problem Solving Task - Spacecraft Subsystems, Examination (Invigilated)