Space and astronautical engineering

Educational objectives

The goal of the course is to provide a basic knowledge of liquid propellant rocket engines, including methodologies for the analysis of design of the whole engine system and of its components, especially pumps and turbines and the cooling system. The overall system analysis is shown as depending on the high pressure required to have high efficiencies, also towards an improved sustainability of space propulsion. The goal is also to provide the basic elements for the study of turbomachines in general and the main aspects of combustion instabilities in liquid rocket engines.

Educational objectives

The course will be devoted to the analysis and modelling of solid rocket motors and the complex phenomenology that characterizes these propulsion systems. Theoretical and mathematical models will be provided for analyzing the operation and performance in the quasi-steady regime with both zero-dimensional and one-dimensional approaches. Combustion of energetic materials will be analyzed with attention to the various solid propellant formulations. Specific aspects such as ablation phenomena of thermal protection materials in the nozzle, two-phase flow phenomena, grain geometry and burn-back analysis, as well as ignition transient, will be analyzed in detail. Hints on hybrid rocket propulsion systems and their main characteristics will be given. Finally, attention is given to recent efforts devoted to developing solid propellants using green oxidizers, which demonstrate less hazards and environmentally friendly chlorine free combustion products.

Educational objectives

One of the greatest difficulties encountered in the practical use in terms of engineering applications of computational fluid dynamics is the competitiveness of tasks, and related problems, which are by their nature very different. To name a few: the choice of computational mesh, solution algorithm, turbulence model, etc.

Therefore, the training objectives will focus on the knowledge and understanding of a broad spectrum of numerical methods, physical models and analysis techniques relevant to aerodynamic design in the compressible regime, as well as on the acquisition of the ability to identify the physical problem of interest, the choice of an appropriate approach for numerical modeling and the critical evaluation of the results obtained.

In addition, great emphasis will be placed on a project, hopefully a group project, aimed at the solution/simulation of a specific problem. This will address virtually all phases of the CFD workflow, pre-processing, resolution and post-processing. The team will have to organize meetings, manage resources, handle task dependence, report on calculations, and conduct comprehensive analysis.

The group project is central to this course, as it creates a virtual consulting environment, bringing together students with diverse backgrounds to solve a real problem.

Problem solving and project coordination must be undertaken on an individual and team basis. Students will also develop interpersonal skills needed to pursue their future careers as engineering and technology leaders.

At the end of the project, the team will give a presentation in which they will outline the problems encountered and the results achieved.

Educational objectives

The goal of the course is to provide a basic knowledge of liquid propellant rocket engines, including methodologies for the analysis of design of the whole engine system and of its components, especially pumps and turbines and the cooling system. The overall system analysis is shown as depending on the high pressure required to have high efficiencies, also towards an improved sustainability of space propulsion. The goal is also to provide the basic elements for the study of turbomachines in general and the main aspects of combustion instabilities in liquid rocket engines.

Educational objectives

The course will be devoted to the analysis and modelling of solid rocket motors and the complex phenomenology that characterizes these propulsion systems. Theoretical and mathematical models will be provided for analyzing the operation and performance in the quasi-steady regime with both zero-dimensional and one-dimensional approaches. Combustion of energetic materials will be analyzed with attention to the various solid propellant formulations. Specific aspects such as ablation phenomena of thermal protection materials in the nozzle, two-phase flow phenomena, grain geometry and burn-back analysis, as well as ignition transient, will be analyzed in detail. Hints on hybrid rocket propulsion systems and their main characteristics will be given. Finally, attention is given to recent efforts devoted to developing solid propellants using green oxidizers, which demonstrate less hazards and environmentally friendly chlorine free combustion products.

Educational objectives

This course offers the opportunity to integrate the preparation acquired in the basic courses with advanced methodologies and tools for the dynamic analysis of aerospace structures in time and Fourier-Laplace domain. The response of linear structural systems to both deterministic and stochastic dynamic loads is studied, introducing some essential issues on random vibration theory. The course also presents order reduction techniques (static and dynamic condensation) of finite element models together with seismic excitation problems on aerospace structures such as aircraft and launchers. A special focus is also given to the main structural damping models for studying vibration control with dynamic absorbers. Finally, an overview is given of propagation problems in aerospace structures in which fast dynamic processes are involved. Numerical integration methods are used to study the responses of these structural systems, highlighting the differences with respect to the responses obtained with linear analysis.

Learning objectives
General
After completing this course, the student will be able to understand all the fundamental aspects related to the dynamics of aerospace structures, study the problems of response to random seismic loads with performance evaluation, design a passive and active control system of structural vibrations using dynamic absorbers and evaluate nonlinear effects in the case of structures characterized by fast dynamics. Finally, the student will have matured the cultural background to dialogue with certification bodies for the qualification to fly / launch of structural systems and with the bodies / professionals responsible for experimental dynamic tests.

Educational objectives

At completion of the course, the student is expected to have become acquainted with the most significant processes in the combustion of gaseous mixtures, and with the relevant theoretical and numerical models.

Educational objectives

Course content covers the fundamentals of launch vehicle flight mechanics, including the optimal planning of the ascent trajectory of a (possibly reusable) launch vehicle from the launch base to payload insertion into orbit, and the analysis of stability and control of the vehicle in atmospheric flight.

Key factors affecting launch vehicle performance, such as mission requirements, atmospheric conditions, and launch-site location, will also be explained to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the context in which launch vehicles operate.

The course give emphasis on the ability to apply the knowledge learned to solve numerical problems typical of launch vehicle flight mechanics, such as trajectory planning and control of a large flexible booster.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide the theoretical basis to address the study of thermal and thermoelastic problems in aerospace structures, induced by the thermal environment of the missions of aeronautical and space systems, with particular attention to the phenomena of radiative exchange. The technology relating to piezoelectric materials is also introduced with a view to structural monitoring, the treatment of which is deeply interconnected with the thermoelastic one following a close analogy in the mathematical formulation. Structural monitoring technologies based on the use of piezoelectric materials and energy harvesting technologies from mechanical vibrations connected to them constitute a transversal reference for applications in the monitoring of industrial systems, vehicles and intelligent infrastructures.

Educational objectives

This course offers the opportunity to integrate the preparation acquired in the basic courses with advanced methodologies to cope with propulsion systems operating at hypersonic speeds. The course is mainly focused on high-speed airbreathing systems with and without turbomachinery. High-speed inlets, mixers, isolators, combustors, and exhaust systems are discussed in detail.
Learning objectives
General
The learning objectives are to provide the basic knowledge and skills for studying and analyzing aerothermodynamics and performance under design and off-design conditions of airbreathing propulsion systems operating at hypersonic speeds such as ramjets and scramjets, oblique detonation wave engines, and combined cycle systems.
Detailed
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Assess the performance of a ramjet/scramjet propulsion system
- Discuss the working principles of a supersonic and hypersonic intake system
- Use reduced models to analyze the cycle and calculate the performance of airbreathing and combined cycle engines
- Exploit the acquired knowledge to critically assess the selection of a hypersonic propulsion system for a given mission
- Perform a preliminary design of the main subsystems of hypersonic propulsion systems

Educational objectives

To provide the basics of the hypersonic aerodynamics and the methodologies for the solution of hypersonic flows

Educational objectives

Acquisition of analysis and synthesis skills of guidance and navigation systems in space missions and interaction with control, other vehicle subsystems. Applications of space surveillance techniques for the monitoring, prevention, and removal of space debris. Knowledge and evaluation of the effect of environmental perturbations on the evolution of complex orbital systems (i.e. megaconstellations, clouds of fragments, formations ...) and sustainability of space traffic.

Educational objectives

The course aims to allow students to acquire knowledge and skills useful for the virtuous circle of innovation-technologies-materials-products-processes in the structural and propulsive aeronautics sector and in the broader field of manufacturing industry. The topics will be treated with the use of an inter- and multidisciplinary approach, with the aim of linking knowledge and skills relating to the development and use of innovative materials technologies, aimed at implementation applications and selection / project aspects. The basic aspects aimed at identifying criteria for the selection and choice of materials that favor manufacturing approaches typical of the circular economy will also be highlighted, with reference to the use of environmentally friendly and recyclable materials, for technological processes also based on replacement materials from raw materials, including light and multi-material systems.

Educational objectives

The course illustrates the basic estimation and filtering methodologies. The student will be able to use the most important estimation techniques and to formulate and study optimization problem of different kinds.

Specific objectives

- Knowledge and understanding
The student will learn the estimation and filtering methodologies for being applied to different frameworks.

- Use knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to formulate an estimation problem and design the optimal estimate, by implementing it to evaluate the consequent results

- Communication skills
The course will allow the student to communicate and share the main problems in specific application fields, by focusing on the possible design procedures and evaluating their strength or weakness

- Learning skills
The course will empower the analytical skills of the student, from the problem analysis to the study of the available scientific literature and down to the design and implementation.

Educational objectives

To know rules for first phase satellite power system design. To manage
relationship between power system and the whole spacecraft system.

To know sizing and outlining procedures for: photovoltaic generators, distribution
circuits, energy storage systems, and electrical protection system.

Educational objectives

Materials used in aerospace applications must meet particular performance requirements by extending the design limitations of conventional engineering materials and design demand and considering products that are more effective in terms of energy efficiency, life cycle performance and sustainability. environmental (use of reusable and / or recyclable materials).
In this context, the development of in situ manufacturing processes in a planetary environment (Moon and Mars) based on local resources to limit transport from Earth and the related use of non-renewable resources. The aim of the course is to illustrate to students all aspects of materials, technologies and processes and their use in the aerospace field, also with a view to sustainability and the circular economy in space.
Students will develop knowledge of aerospace materials technology in relation to design, analysis and testing. Particular emphasis will be placed on practical applications and ongoing research. The course will include a short laboratory section, in which students will fabricate and test a simple advanced composite material structure.

Educational objectives

The objective of this course is to teach the student mathematical
methodologies for modeling and analyzing complex space flexible
structures such as Multibody space systems.

Educational objectives

Materials used in aerospace applications must meet particular performance requirements by extending the design limitations of conventional engineering materials and design demand and considering products that are more effective in terms of energy efficiency, life cycle performance and sustainability. environmental (use of reusable and / or recyclable materials).
In this context, the development of in situ manufacturing processes in a planetary environment (Moon and Mars) based on local resources to limit transport from Earth and the related use of non-renewable resources. The aim of the course is to illustrate to students all aspects of materials, technologies and processes and their use in the aerospace field, also with a view to sustainability and the circular economy in space.
Students will develop knowledge of aerospace materials technology in relation to design, analysis and testing. Particular emphasis will be placed on practical applications and ongoing research. The course will include a short laboratory section, in which students will fabricate and test a simple advanced composite material structure.

Educational objectives

- Widen the knowledge and skills in orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics, starting from the topics learned in the preceding courses
- Describe and simulate semi-passive attitude stabilization systems, with special reference to dual-spin systems
- Understand the problem of spacecraft attitude reorientation and simulate the related maneuvers
- Describe, simulate, and understand the overall dynamics of space vehicles (trajectory and attitude) in complex mission scenarios, such as planetary entry
- Describe and simulate low-thrust trajectories and understand their use in orbit transfers
- Learn advanced techniques for satellite constellation design and performance evaluation

Educational objectives

The objective of this course is to teach the student mathematical
methodologies for modeling and analyzing complex space flexible
structures such as Multibody space systems.

Educational objectives

The course describes the methodologies for the detailed design of
satellites and satellite systems, including technical and project
planning methods, following the international space mission standards.

Educational objectives

Provide a fundamental knowledge of in-space propulsion systems, i.e., thrusters which are used in space missions for a variety of applications, including deep space exploration, attitude control and station keeping. Provide the necessary tools and models for analyzing the operation and performance of electrothermal, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and nuclear thermal rockets. Attention will be devoted to "green" alternatives to conventional chemical propulsion systems for future spacecraft to improve overall propellant efficiency, while reducing the handling concerns associated with the usage of toxic fuels.

Educational objectives

This course offers the opportunity to integrate the preparation acquired in the basic courses with advanced methodologies and tools for the dynamic analysis of aerospace structures in time and Fourier-Laplace domain. The response of linear structural systems to both deterministic and stochastic dynamic loads is studied, introducing some essential issues on random vibration theory. The course also presents order reduction techniques (static and dynamic condensation) of finite element models together with seismic excitation problems on aerospace structures such as aircraft and launchers. A special focus is also given to the main structural damping models for studying vibration control with dynamic absorbers. Finally, an overview is given of propagation problems in aerospace structures in which fast dynamic processes are involved. Numerical integration methods are used to study the responses of these structural systems, highlighting the differences with respect to the responses obtained with linear analysis.

Learning objectives
General
After completing this course, the student will be able to understand all the fundamental aspects related to the dynamics of aerospace structures, study the problems of response to random seismic loads with performance evaluation, design a passive and active control system of structural vibrations using dynamic absorbers and evaluate nonlinear effects in the case of structures characterized by fast dynamics. Finally, the student will have matured the cultural background to dialogue with certification bodies for the qualification to fly / launch of structural systems and with the bodies / professionals responsible for experimental dynamic tests.

Educational objectives

The objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of scientific and navigation payloads of a spacecraft and its accommodation onboard the spacecraft. The course offers the students the possibility to develop the necessary skills to understand the challenges of instrument design starting from high level performance requirements to low level implementation requirements.
The first part of the course focuses on technical aspects, starting from payload design to its final accommodation inside the spacecraft. These technical aspects include: scope and requirements of an instrument; power and data interfaces with the spacecraft; mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic compatibility with other onboard instrumentation in a given environment; instrument mass, volume, and power consumption and their impacts on the spacecraft design. This module tackles the main design phases and reviews of an instrument and the test campaign before being integrated in the spacecraft. This module also covers the challenges of adapting an instrument to work in different mission scenarios. As an example, the selection of the launcher plays an important role in determining the vibration environment of the instruments inside a craft, or radiation tolerances can significantly vary depending on the mission profile.
The second part of the course focuses on the analysis of payloads and their main characteristics and purposes. A set of selected instruments will be analyzed using the underlying design choices and challenges that engineers must face. The student will be familiarized with these challenges during the first part of the course. Technical features and requirements of the instrument will be compared with the measurement performances and needs based on real world examples. The payloads that will be analyzed include (may change yearly): laser altimeter, radio transponder, spectrometer, radar, camera, accelerometer, magnetometer, particle analyzer, and laser reflectors. The scientific measurements and information that they can provide are analyzed independently for each instrument, highlighting their synergies. As an example, the laser altimeter data can be combined with radio tracking data to measure physical and gravity tide of celestial bodies, thus helping us to infer internal structure of those body.
The theoretical background that the students developed during bachelor’s and master’s degree is applied in a specific topic allowing the student to understand the challenges of realizing space qualified instruments.
At the end of the course, the student will acquire the following skills:

1) Understanding of the interfaces (mechanical, electrical, thermal) between the instrument and the spacecraft;
2) Understanding the instrument requirements and its impact on the spacecraft design;
3) Assessing the impact on the instrument design of the operational environment;
4) Capability to write clear requisites for the spacecraft system engineers;
5) Understanding the functions and goals of the instrument in the context of the mission and the usage from the data user.
6) Acquire knowledge on some of the most widely employed instruments in space exploration.

Educational objectives

After this course, the student will be able to:
- Know the different types of gossamer structures
- Understand pros and cons of using specific gossamer structure for a mission
- Select materials based on project requirements and operative environment to realize a large structure
- Understand the rational manufacturing techniques to realize gossamer structures
- Know and understand the deployable technological solutions including kirigami and origami techniques
- Know and understand the current state-of-art of manufacturing processes for ISRU
- Understand the principles to design habitats on Moon and Mars
- Understand how to realize a space suit
- Understand how to apply nanotechnology for space applications

Educational objectives

After this course, the student will be able to:
- Know the different types of gossamer structures
- Understand pros and cons of using specific gossamer structure for a mission
- Select materials based on project requirements and operative environment to realize a large structure
- Understand the rational manufacturing techniques to realize gossamer structures
- Know and understand the deployable technological solutions including kirigami and origami techniques
- Know and understand the current state-of-art of manufacturing processes for ISRU
- Understand the principles to design habitats on Moon and Mars
- Understand how to realize a space suit
- Understand how to apply nanotechnology for space applications

Educational objectives

General
After completing this course, the student will be able to understand how the MAIT processes are related to the present industrial needs and will be able to have a holistic approach to the overall life of a spacecraft. The student will know concept as model-based system engineering and how they can be used in the management of complex decision processes as the space missions are. The student will know the logics behind the Industry 4.0 approaches and how they can applied in the real industrial practice.
Detailed
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand how the user needs in terms of mission requirements can influence the industrial organization
- Understand and use instruments of decision support as decisional matrices
- Understand the modern vision of model-centered design and manufacturing
- Understand the meaning of long-life approach to the design of a spacecraft
- Understand, at a high-level point of view, the MAIT processes typical of space industry
- Understand the main concepts of Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing
- Understand the rationale and main features of MAIT process sensorization
- Understand concepts as Digital Twins and Cyber-physical Systems
- Understand how digitalization can be applied to improve space systems MAIT

Educational objectives

Electronics module (6 credits)
The electronics module intends to provide the general knowledge of an electronic system intended as an information processing system. In particular, starting from the basic concepts related to linear systems, the course aims to provide the mathematical tools for the analysis of signals and the basic knowledge of analog and digital electronics starting from the fundamental components to get to electronic circuits and finally to systems more complex electronics. The course focuses on the link between frequency band, power consumption and noise in analog circuits and digital networks for space and satellite applications in the context of transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructures.
Expected learning outcomes: students will be able to analyze analog and digital electronic circuits and will acquire design elements of electronic systems for different application fields.
Optical sensor module (3 credits)
The optical sensor module aims to provide an introduction to integrated optical systems starting from the mechanisms of transduction of radiation through optical sources (lasers and LEDs) and semiconductor photodetectors up to understanding the system-level aspects of sensors of CCD and CMOS based images. The module presents application cases in the field of environmental remote sensing and broadband optical communications in fiber and in free space and for complex systems.
Expected learning outcomes: students will be able to understand the functioning of image and environmental sensors, comparing the performance of the different technologies available according to the system requirements.

Educational objectives

GENERAL
The course introduces satellite payloads for telecommunications and radar, together with their operating principles. For each of the two payloads: (i) the applications are studied, as well as their performance requirements; (ii) its complete reference space system is analyzed, with its typical space mission; (iii) the main design parameters are identified that have impact on the performance; (iv) the performances are studied as functions of the design parameters and; (v) the platform requirements are analyzed to ensure the correct operation.
As regards telecommunications payloads, satellite broadcast is considered, together with point-to-point data connection, satellite personal communication system, ground transfer of Earth observation data and telemetry. The modulation and coding techniques are studied in depth, together with the antenna systems and their impact on the platform and set-up, and the electrical power sizing.
As regards radar payloads, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is considered for the formation of high resolution images. The techniques of pulse compression and synthetic antenna formation are studied in depth, together with the antenna systems and their impact on the platform and set-up, electrical power sizing.

SPECIFIC
Knowledge and understanding: At the end, the student has acquired a basic knowledge on the two types of payload considered, on their main design parameters, and on the space systems and missions that are based on them.
Applying knowledge and understanding: at the end of the course the student has acquired the ability to evaluate critically both the payload selection, based on the selection of its main parameters according to operational requirements (from the user requirements), and its integration with the platform.
Making judgements: at the end of the course the student has developed the autonomy of judgment necessary to integrate knowledge on the different types of payloads, to manage the complexity of the technologies used in the various space missions, and to evaluate their performance in the various application contexts.
Communication skills: at the end of the course the student is able to operate in a highly multi-disciplinary context communicating and interacting with information technology design engineers for space, with specialist technicians and non-specialist interlocutors.
Learning skills: at the end of the course the student is able to autonomously investigate the new technologies used in the future evolutions of satellite systems.

Educational objectives

The Electronics for Space Systems course aims to provide the tools for understanding the figures of merit, the project requirements, and the circuit topologies of the subsystems that compose a satellite payload for telecommunications in integrated technology.
Specific learning objectives:
- Understanding and use of the main figures of merit of a radio-frequency electronic system on satellite, and of the main subsystems that compose it: amplifier, mixer, PLL, filter
- Analysis of the most used circuits to create these subsystems in integrated technology
- Understanding the block diagram and components of the satellite power system
- Analysis of the functional limits of electronic devices and circuits in the space environment, and hints to the techniques of Radiation-Hardening of integrated circuits

Educational objectives

- Understand spatial geodesy techniques (GNNS, VLBI, SLR) for the georeferencing of spatial data and methods for multi-temporal processing of optical remote sensing data, radar and lidar.
- Develop skills on space geodesy and satellite and aerial remote sensing techniques for the control, monitoring and prevention of natural or anthropogenic risks that involve degenerative processes on the environment and on the territory (hydrogeological instability, coastal erosion, storage pollution of waste and industrial areas, state of vegetation, etc.)
- Understand the methods and tools for the construction of WEBGIS and georeferenced databases, from urban to territorial scale, useful for the management of goods production systems and the provision of sustainable services (e.g. control of the stability of buildings and infrastructures, maintenance of technological and transport networks, management of green areas, etc.)
- Experience on experimental data in the thematic laboratory to be developed on real case studies

Educational objectives

The course illustrates the basic estimation and filtering methodologies. The student will be able to use the most important estimation techniques and to formulate and study optimization problem of different kinds.

Specific objectives

- Knowledge and understanding
The student will learn the estimation and filtering methodologies for being applied to different frameworks.

- Use knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to formulate an estimation problem and design the optimal estimate, by implementing it to evaluate the consequent results

- Communication skills
The course will allow the student to communicate and share the main problems in specific application fields, by focusing on the possible design procedures and evaluating their strength or weakness

- Learning skills
The course will empower the analytical skills of the student, from the problem analysis to the study of the available scientific literature and down to the design and implementation.

Educational objectives

The module aims to provide basic and broad-spectrum knowledge on remote sensing systems for observing the Earth from aircraft and satellite and on the European Union Copernicus services for monitoring our planet and its environment with the use of satellite data. Copernicus services concern the management of the land and major renewable and non-renewable resources, the marine environment, the atmosphere, and environmental safety in a context of sustainable use of resources and the impact on climate change. The module describes, with a systems approach, the requirements and general characteristics of the system in relation to the final application. It illustrates the physical bases of remote sensing and simple models of electromagnetic interaction with natural means useful for the interpretation of data. It illustrates or recalls the operating principles of the main remote sensing sensors in the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. It illustrates the main techniques of remote sensing data processing for the purpose of generating application products, also with the aid of computer exercises. It provides an overview of the information on the terrestrial environment (atmosphere, sea, vegetation, etc.) detectable in the different bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. It describes the main Earth Observation space missions, and the most significant characteristics of the products supplied to end users.

Educational objectives

To know rules for first phase satellite power system design. To manage
relationship between power system and the whole spacecraft system.

To know sizing and outlining procedures for: photovoltaic generators, distribution
circuits, energy storage systems, and electrical protection system.

Educational objectives

The course provides the required knowledge to cope with the design of robotic space systems. The main objective is the study of the guidance, navigation and control systems for missions of on-orbit-servicing, rendez-vous and docking, and planetary exploration.

Educational objectives

Acquisition of analysis and synthesis skills of guidance and navigation systems in space missions and interaction with control, other vehicle subsystems. Applications of space surveillance techniques for the monitoring, prevention, and removal of space debris. Knowledge and evaluation of the effect of environmental perturbations on the evolution of complex orbital systems (i.e. megaconstellations, clouds of fragments, formations ...) and sustainability of space traffic.

Educational objectives

The aim of the course is to prepare the student the design of trajectories for interplanetary missions both in theoretical and applied terms. To this end, the study of topics, both basic and advanced, is constantly supported by numerical applications. The tools needed for simulations, are developed by students during the course and applied to real missions.

Educational objectives

The course provides the required knowledge to cope with the design of robotic space systems. The main objective is the study of the guidance, navigation and control systems for missions of on-orbit-servicing, rendez-vous and docking, and planetary exploration.

Educational objectives

Materials used in aerospace applications must meet particular performance requirements by extending the design limitations of conventional engineering materials and design demand and considering products that are more effective in terms of energy efficiency, life cycle performance and sustainability. environmental (use of reusable and / or recyclable materials).
In this context, the development of in situ manufacturing processes in a planetary environment (Moon and Mars) based on local resources to limit transport from Earth and the related use of non-renewable resources. The aim of the course is to illustrate to students all aspects of materials, technologies and processes and their use in the aerospace field, also with a view to sustainability and the circular economy in space.
Students will develop knowledge of aerospace materials technology in relation to design, analysis and testing. Particular emphasis will be placed on practical applications and ongoing research. The course will include a short laboratory section, in which students will fabricate and test a simple advanced composite material structure.

Educational objectives

The objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of scientific and navigation payloads of a spacecraft and its accommodation onboard the spacecraft. The course offers the students the possibility to develop the necessary skills to understand the challenges of instrument design starting from high level performance requirements to low level implementation requirements.
The first part of the course focuses on technical aspects, starting from payload design to its final accommodation inside the spacecraft. These technical aspects include: scope and requirements of an instrument; power and data interfaces with the spacecraft; mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic compatibility with other onboard instrumentation in a given environment; instrument mass, volume, and power consumption and their impacts on the spacecraft design. This module tackles the main design phases and reviews of an instrument and the test campaign before being integrated in the spacecraft. This module also covers the challenges of adapting an instrument to work in different mission scenarios. As an example, the selection of the launcher plays an important role in determining the vibration environment of the instruments inside a craft, or radiation tolerances can significantly vary depending on the mission profile.
The second part of the course focuses on the analysis of payloads and their main characteristics and purposes. A set of selected instruments will be analyzed using the underlying design choices and challenges that engineers must face. The student will be familiarized with these challenges during the first part of the course. Technical features and requirements of the instrument will be compared with the measurement performances and needs based on real world examples. The payloads that will be analyzed include (may change yearly): laser altimeter, radio transponder, spectrometer, radar, camera, accelerometer, magnetometer, particle analyzer, and laser reflectors. The scientific measurements and information that they can provide are analyzed independently for each instrument, highlighting their synergies. As an example, the laser altimeter data can be combined with radio tracking data to measure physical and gravity tide of celestial bodies, thus helping us to infer internal structure of those body.
The theoretical background that the students developed during bachelor’s and master’s degree is applied in a specific topic allowing the student to understand the challenges of realizing space qualified instruments.
At the end of the course, the student will acquire the following skills:

1) Understanding of the interfaces (mechanical, electrical, thermal) between the instrument and the spacecraft;
2) Understanding the instrument requirements and its impact on the spacecraft design;
3) Assessing the impact on the instrument design of the operational environment;
4) Capability to write clear requisites for the spacecraft system engineers;
5) Understanding the functions and goals of the instrument in the context of the mission and the usage from the data user.
6) Acquire knowledge on some of the most widely employed instruments in space exploration.

Educational objectives

Before entering the master of science program, aerospace engineers are already acquainted with the basic principles of fluid motion being trained on fundamental aspects of aerodynamics and gas dynamics. This level of knowledge is however deeply insufficient to understand how, even ordinary, fluids, such as air and water, behave in low gravity. The reduced weight adds indeed to the complexity of fluid behavior and enhances the effects of forces like surface tension that are usually negligible at the human scale on the Earth. In addition to that, the long permanence in the restricted environment of the spaceship, or, respectively, inside habitation modules, requires confidence with the more complex physiological fluids, and an understanding of how rheologically exotic fluids may behave.

In this framework, the course in microgravity flows is dedicated to providing the students interested in the microgravity environment with the appropriate tools to understand and design fluidic applications for and in the context of space sciences. The overall purpose is to train the students to identify the challenges posed by fluid motions in space systems and to propose effective solutions to problems involving their dynamics in the context of payload design, onboard systems, and manned missions.
In this context, the following educational objectives are envisioned for the course in Microgravity Flows.
Knowledge:
- Provide the students with a basic understanding of the equations governing fluid motion starting from basic principles, leading them to master the most fundamental models of fluid rheology, surface effects, and the processes of phase change in fluids under microgravity.
- Introduce the student to the behavior of soft materials and physiological fluids, with emphasis on hemodynamics and the lymphatic system and their response to the low gravity environment.
- Understand the effect of fluid motion on the dynamics of a spacecraft.
Know-how:
- Capacity to identify the relevant model to describe different kinds of fluid motions in microgravity and understand the relevant application context.
- Capacity to conceive basic microfluidic systems and define the fabrication procedure at the prototypal level.
- Capacity to translate the mathematical models of fluid motion into computational algorithms.
- Capacity to perform numerical simulations and interpret the results.
- Define the main characteristics of an experiment involving fluids in microgravity, select the most appropriate platform for its realization, and interpret the data.
Soft skills:
- Ability to produce a report concerning technical aspects of fluid motion in the space environment.
- Ability to actively work in a team and contribute ideas to a given project.
- Ability to publicly discuss and explain aspects related to fluid motion in low gravity to both technical and general audiences.

Educational objectives

The SPACE SURVEILLANCE AND SPACE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT course introduces the student to the study of the motions of the satellite in orbit and, by considering the satellite as an element of a multicomponent system (constellation, formation, space traffic), establishes the links between the subjects of Astrodynamics, of Navigation, Tracking and Space Guidance and of Orbital Determination.

Specific learning objectives:
- Understanding the fundamentals of Astrodynamics with particular regard to environmental perturbations affecting the trajectory
- Knowing how to design and calculate, having understood the physical sense, driving strategies, based on impulsive and low thrust maneuvers, for station keeping, Constellation and Formation flight maintenance, Collision Avoidance
- Definition and determination of accurate ephemeris and Two Line Elements from ground based measurements
- Definition of Close approach and collision risk analysis
- Initial and accurate orbital determination systems and attitude determination systems based on optical measurements
- Navigation and tracking systems, based on sequential filters, for launchers and stratospheric aircraft
- Students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience based on the use of network of observatories for the Space Surveillance of Sapienza
- Be able to solve problems with the appropriate computational tools through the knowledge, application and development of computational code and / or modern applications for the simulation of space missions.

Educational objectives

- Widen the knowledge and skills in orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics, starting from the topics learned in the preceding courses
- Describe and simulate semi-passive attitude stabilization systems, with special reference to dual-spin systems
- Understand the problem of spacecraft attitude reorientation and simulate the related maneuvers
- Describe, simulate, and understand the overall dynamics of space vehicles (trajectory and attitude) in complex mission scenarios, such as planetary entry
- Describe and simulate low-thrust trajectories and understand their use in orbit transfers
- Learn advanced techniques for satellite constellation design and performance evaluation

Educational objectives

Acquisition of analysis and synthesis skills of guidance and navigation systems in space missions and interaction with control, other vehicle subsystems. Applications of space surveillance techniques for the monitoring, prevention, and removal of space debris. Knowledge and evaluation of the effect of environmental perturbations on the evolution of complex orbital systems (i.e. megaconstellations, clouds of fragments, formations ...) and sustainability of space traffic.

Educational objectives

Provide a fundamental knowledge of in-space propulsion systems, i.e., thrusters which are used in space missions for a variety of applications, including deep space exploration, attitude control and station keeping. Provide the necessary tools and models for analyzing the operation and performance of electrothermal, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and nuclear thermal rockets. Attention will be devoted to "green" alternatives to conventional chemical propulsion systems for future spacecraft to improve overall propellant efficiency, while reducing the handling concerns associated with the usage of toxic fuels.

Educational objectives

The Electronics for Space Systems course aims to provide the tools for understanding the figures of merit, the project requirements, and the circuit topologies of the subsystems that compose a satellite payload for telecommunications in integrated technology.
Specific learning objectives:
- Understanding and use of the main figures of merit of a radio-frequency electronic system on satellite, and of the main subsystems that compose it: amplifier, mixer, PLL, filter
- Analysis of the most used circuits to create these subsystems in integrated technology
- Understanding the block diagram and components of the satellite power system
- Analysis of the functional limits of electronic devices and circuits in the space environment, and hints to the techniques of Radiation-Hardening of integrated circuits

Educational objectives

- Understand spatial geodesy techniques (GNNS, VLBI, SLR) for the georeferencing of spatial data and methods for multi-temporal processing of optical remote sensing data, radar and lidar.
- Develop skills on space geodesy and satellite and aerial remote sensing techniques for the control, monitoring and prevention of natural or anthropogenic risks that involve degenerative processes on the environment and on the territory (hydrogeological instability, coastal erosion, storage pollution of waste and industrial areas, state of vegetation, etc.)
- Understand the methods and tools for the construction of WEBGIS and georeferenced databases, from urban to territorial scale, useful for the management of goods production systems and the provision of sustainable services (e.g. control of the stability of buildings and infrastructures, maintenance of technological and transport networks, management of green areas, etc.)
- Experience on experimental data in the thematic laboratory to be developed on real case studies

Educational objectives

the objective of the module is to provide the student with the knowledge sufficient to:

 Understand the applications and scientific objectives of remote sensing radars conceived either for Earth observation

and Planetary missions

 Get the know-how of the basics of radar remote sensing systems and their design

 Get the know-how on the radar processing required to meet the scientific requirements

Educational objectives

General objectives:

Acquire the basic principles of the field of Artificial Intelligence, specifically the modeling of intelligent systems through the notion of intelligent agent.
Acquire the basic techniques developed in the field of Artificial Intelligence, concerning symbol manipulation and, more speicifically, discrete models.

Specific objectives:

Knowledge and understanding:

Automated search in the space state: general methods, heuristic driven methods, local Search. Factored representations: constraint satisfaction problems, automated planning.
Knowledge Representation through formal systems: propositional logic, first order logic, description logic (hints), non monotonic reasoning (hints). Usage of logic as a programming language: PROLOG.

Applying knowledge and understanding:

Modeling problems by means of the manifold representation techniques acquired through the course. Analysis of the behavior of the basic algorithms for automated reasoning.

Making judgements:
Being able to evaluate the quality of a representation model for a problem and the results of the application of the reasoning algorithms when run on it.

Communication:
The oral communication skills are stimulated through the interaction during class, while the writing skills will be developed thorugh the analysis of exercises and answers to open questions, that are included in the final test.

Lifelong learning skills:
In addition to the learning capabilities arising from the study of the theoretical models presented in the course, the problem solving capabilities of the student will be improved through the exercises where the acquired knowledge is applied.

Educational objectives

Human factors in aerospace includes the effects of the aerospace environment on human physiology. This module provides the basics knowledge to study the effects of aerospace flight on the human body. The module addresses both aviation and spaceflight physiology. Aviation physiology includes aspects such as hypoxia, barotrauma, decompression sickness, biodynamics (acceleration, spatial disorientation, motion sickness, simulator sickness), night vision problems, thermal stress, noise and vibration, lifestyle. Human spaceflight physiology includes aspects such as microgravity effects, space adaptation syndrome, cardiovascular response, bone and muscle response, radiation effects in space, space hygiene, space nutrition, suborbital and parabolic flight.

Learning objectives
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
• Understand the impact of the aerospace environment on human physiology.
• Analyze the physiological responses to hypoxia, barotrauma, and decompression sickness.
• Understand the challenges and adaptations related to biodynamics.
• Appraise the impact of night vision problems, thermal stress, noise, vibration, and lifestyle factors on human physiology.
• Gain insights into the effects of microgravity on the human body.
• Explore the phenomenon of space adaptation syndrome for human space travelers.
• Understand the cardiovascular responses to spaceflight conditions.
• Explore the effects of radiation in space on human health.
• Investigate space hygiene considerations relevance to prolonged space missions.
• Understand the importance of space nutrition for sustaining astronaut health.

Educational objectives

Human factors in aerospace includes the effects of the aerospace environment on human physiology. This module provides the basics knowledge to study the effects of aerospace flight on the human body. The module addresses both aviation and spaceflight physiology. Aviation physiology includes aspects such as hypoxia, barotrauma, decompression sickness, biodynamics (acceleration, spatial disorientation, motion sickness, simulator sickness), night vision problems, thermal stress, noise and vibration, lifestyle. Human spaceflight physiology includes aspects such as microgravity effects, space adaptation syndrome, cardiovascular response, bone and muscle response, radiation effects in space, space hygiene, space nutrition, suborbital and parabolic flight.

Learning objectives
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
• Understand the impact of the aerospace environment on human physiology.
• Analyze the physiological responses to hypoxia, barotrauma, and decompression sickness.
• Understand the challenges and adaptations related to biodynamics.
• Appraise the impact of night vision problems, thermal stress, noise, vibration, and lifestyle factors on human physiology.
• Gain insights into the effects of microgravity on the human body.
• Explore the phenomenon of space adaptation syndrome for human space travelers.
• Understand the cardiovascular responses to spaceflight conditions.
• Explore the effects of radiation in space on human health.
• Investigate space hygiene considerations relevance to prolonged space missions.
• Understand the importance of space nutrition for sustaining astronaut health.

Educational objectives

The course provides the required knowledge to cope with the design of robotic space systems. The main objective is the study of the guidance, navigation and control systems for missions of on-orbit-servicing, rendez-vous and docking, and planetary exploration.

Educational objectives

The SPACE SURVEILLANCE AND SPACE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT course introduces the student to the study of the motions of the satellite in orbit and, by considering the satellite as an element of a multicomponent system (constellation, formation, space traffic), establishes the links between the subjects of Astrodynamics, of Navigation, Tracking and Space Guidance and of Orbital Determination.

Specific learning objectives:
- Understanding the fundamentals of Astrodynamics with particular regard to environmental perturbations affecting the trajectory
- Knowing how to design and calculate, having understood the physical sense, driving strategies, based on impulsive and low thrust maneuvers, for station keeping, Constellation and Formation flight maintenance, Collision Avoidance
- Definition and determination of accurate ephemeris and Two Line Elements from ground based measurements
- Definition of Close approach and collision risk analysis
- Initial and accurate orbital determination systems and attitude determination systems based on optical measurements
- Navigation and tracking systems, based on sequential filters, for launchers and stratospheric aircraft
- Students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience based on the use of network of observatories for the Space Surveillance of Sapienza
- Be able to solve problems with the appropriate computational tools through the knowledge, application and development of computational code and / or modern applications for the simulation of space missions.

Educational objectives

- Widen the knowledge and skills in orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics, starting from the topics learned in the preceding courses
- Describe and simulate semi-passive attitude stabilization systems, with special reference to dual-spin systems
- Understand the problem of spacecraft attitude reorientation and simulate the related maneuvers
- Describe, simulate, and understand the overall dynamics of space vehicles (trajectory and attitude) in complex mission scenarios, such as planetary entry
- Describe and simulate low-thrust trajectories and understand their use in orbit transfers
- Learn advanced techniques for satellite constellation design and performance evaluation

Educational objectives

The course describes the methodologies for the detailed design of
satellites and satellite systems, including technical and project
planning methods, following the international space mission standards.

Educational objectives

Electronics module (6 credits)
The electronics module intends to provide the general knowledge of an electronic system intended as an information processing system. In particular, starting from the basic concepts related to linear systems, the course aims to provide the mathematical tools for the analysis of signals and the basic knowledge of analog and digital electronics starting from the fundamental components to get to electronic circuits and finally to systems more complex electronics. The course focuses on the link between frequency band, power consumption and noise in analog circuits and digital networks for space and satellite applications in the context of transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructures.
Expected learning outcomes: students will be able to analyze analog and digital electronic circuits and will acquire design elements of electronic systems for different application fields.
Optical sensor module (3 credits)
The optical sensor module aims to provide an introduction to integrated optical systems starting from the mechanisms of transduction of radiation through optical sources (lasers and LEDs) and semiconductor photodetectors up to understanding the system-level aspects of sensors of CCD and CMOS based images. The module presents application cases in the field of environmental remote sensing and broadband optical communications in fiber and in free space and for complex systems.
Expected learning outcomes: students will be able to understand the functioning of image and environmental sensors, comparing the performance of the different technologies available according to the system requirements.

Educational objectives

The Electronics for Space Systems course aims to provide the tools for understanding the figures of merit, the project requirements, and the circuit topologies of the subsystems that compose a satellite payload for telecommunications in integrated technology.
Specific learning objectives:
- Understanding and use of the main figures of merit of a radio-frequency electronic system on satellite, and of the main subsystems that compose it: amplifier, mixer, PLL, filter
- Analysis of the most used circuits to create these subsystems in integrated technology
- Understanding the block diagram and components of the satellite power system
- Analysis of the functional limits of electronic devices and circuits in the space environment, and hints to the techniques of Radiation-Hardening of integrated circuits

Educational objectives

The principles of the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) are introduced,
together with their focusing techniques. The signal processing techniques for
autofocusing the SAR images and their corrections are described. The image
processing techniques to extract the information out of the SAR images are
considered in details.

Educational objectives

- Understand spatial geodesy techniques (GNNS, VLBI, SLR) for the georeferencing of spatial data and methods for multi-temporal processing of optical remote sensing data, radar and lidar.
- Develop skills on space geodesy and satellite and aerial remote sensing techniques for the control, monitoring and prevention of natural or anthropogenic risks that involve degenerative processes on the environment and on the territory (hydrogeological instability, coastal erosion, storage pollution of waste and industrial areas, state of vegetation, etc.)
- Understand the methods and tools for the construction of WEBGIS and georeferenced databases, from urban to territorial scale, useful for the management of goods production systems and the provision of sustainable services (e.g. control of the stability of buildings and infrastructures, maintenance of technological and transport networks, management of green areas, etc.)
- Experience on experimental data in the thematic laboratory to be developed on real case studies

Educational objectives

the objective of the module is to provide the student with the knowledge sufficient to:

 Understand the applications and scientific objectives of remote sensing radars conceived either for Earth observation

and Planetary missions

 Get the know-how of the basics of radar remote sensing systems and their design

 Get the know-how on the radar processing required to meet the scientific requirements

Educational objectives

General objectives:

Acquire the basic principles of the field of Artificial Intelligence, specifically the modeling of intelligent systems through the notion of intelligent agent.
Acquire the basic techniques developed in the field of Artificial Intelligence, concerning symbol manipulation and, more speicifically, discrete models.

Specific objectives:

Knowledge and understanding:

Automated search in the space state: general methods, heuristic driven methods, local Search. Factored representations: constraint satisfaction problems, automated planning.
Knowledge Representation through formal systems: propositional logic, first order logic, description logic (hints), non monotonic reasoning (hints). Usage of logic as a programming language: PROLOG.

Applying knowledge and understanding:

Modeling problems by means of the manifold representation techniques acquired through the course. Analysis of the behavior of the basic algorithms for automated reasoning.

Making judgements:
Being able to evaluate the quality of a representation model for a problem and the results of the application of the reasoning algorithms when run on it.

Communication:
The oral communication skills are stimulated through the interaction during class, while the writing skills will be developed thorugh the analysis of exercises and answers to open questions, that are included in the final test.

Lifelong learning skills:
In addition to the learning capabilities arising from the study of the theoretical models presented in the course, the problem solving capabilities of the student will be improved through the exercises where the acquired knowledge is applied.