METHODS OF SPACE ASTROPHYSICS

Course objectives

GENERAL OBJECTIVES: The course aims at studying the use of space instrumentation for astrophysical measurements. It focuses on the space environment, its adavantages and disadvantages for astrophysical measurements, the characteristics of space vectors, space missions and instrumentation for the payloads. Finally studies the differnet phases and the development of a space mission for astrophysics. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: A - Knowledge and understanding OF 1) To know advntages and disadvantages of the space environment for astrophysical use. OF 2) To know the main classes of space vectors and their capabilities for astrophysical use. OF 3) To know the theory of orbits and their perturbations. OF 4) To know methods and instruments for attitude contro and space cryogenic and their use to optimize the performance of astronomical instrumentation in space. OF 5) To know the generalities of space payloads, the design methods and the phases of a space program. B - Application skills OF 6) To be able to evaluate the best vector, orbit and space mission for a given space astrophysics measurement. OF 7) To be able to program the development of a space mission for a given space astrophysics measurement. C - Autonomy of judgment OF 8) To be able to decide if a giv en astrophysical measurement has to be carried out from space. OF 9) To be able to evaluate the best way to carry out a space-based astrophysics measurement. D - Communication skills OF 10) To be able to describe a space-based astrophysics project. OF 11) To be able to describe the characteristics and functions of scientific space instrumentation. E - Ability to learn OF 12) To be able to understand the characteristics of space systems.

Channel 1
SILVIA MASI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Space: definition. what is out there ? Importance of space and its multiple uses. Space and Astrophysics. Earth atmosphere and its nuisance in astrophysical measurements. Advantages of space-based measurements in the different bands of the EM spectrum and for non-electromagnetic measurements. Facilities for space observations: stratospheric balloons, sounding rockets, satellites, space stations. How to go in space. Physics of suborbital space vectors. Stratospheric ballons. Floating altitude. Orbital vectors. Energy problem. Rocket propulsion. Motors. Single stage. Multi-stage. Rockets for sub-orbital, earth and planetary missions. Orbital motion. Kepler's laws. Elements of the obit. Two-body problem. Elliptical orbits. Period of the orbit. Speed of the elliptical orbit, Kepler's equation, parabolic orbit, hyperbolic orbit, absolute and relative motion. Orbits and energy. Orbital transfer. The many-body problem. Periodic and secular perturbations. Restricted three-body problem. Lagrangian points and applications. Use of L1 and L2 for astrophysical observatories. Earth oblateness and its effect on satellite orbits. Attitude control and measurement. Gravity gradient, single spin, spinners with examples, dual-spin. Attitude actuators: Momentum Bias, Reaction wheels, Three Axis ACS. Attitude sensors: Sun Sensors, Earth horizon sensor, Moon horizon sensor, Star Sensor (scanning), Star Trackers, Magnetometers. ACS for stratospheric balloon payloads. Hints of control theory. Electronics, mechanics, sensors and actuator examples. Space cryogenics: what and why. Detector noise and radiative background., Cryogens. Cryostats. Example of long duration cryostats. Space cryostats: problems and solutions. Porous Plug. ADR. Examples and development of space cryogenics. Payload for space missions. Space customers and users. Payload design. Characteristics. Examples: Sax, Planck, Cassini; New generation projects: X-ray mirrors, MEMS interferometers, data compression, EUSO, Planck. Space transportation. Dimensioning the bus. Structure, propulsion, power supply and managenent, thermal control, attitude control and determination, on-board commands and data management, communication. Sapce environment and its impact on payload design. The effects of vacuum; inert environment, plasma, radiations. Micrometeorites and space debris. The sequence of phases of a space program. phase A (feasibility study), phase B (engineered design), phase C (development and validation), phase D (flight model), phase E (operations), phase F (decommissioning).
Prerequisites
classical mechanics
Books
https://elearning.uniroma1.it/course/view.php?id=7154
Teaching mode
the course is a regular class complemented by a visit of laboratories in space research institutions
Frequency
presenze in the classroom is not mandatory but strongly recommended
Exam mode
The exam consists in an oral test, which includes a presentation of a deeper study of an assigned subject from the course, as well as questions on the program of the class lectures. The final evaluation is based on : - accuracy and completeness of the discussed items; - clarity and accuracy of the exposition; - ability to develop analytically the theory; - attitude to problem solving (theory and methods).
Bibliography
https://elearning.uniroma1.it/course/view.php?id=7154
Lesson mode
the course is a regular class complemented by a visit of laboratories in space research institutions
  • Lesson code1044550
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseAstrophysics and Cosmology
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDFIS/01
  • CFU6