Microspace Course
Logic of Microspace Course
Dr. Rick Fleeter, AeroAstro CEO and President, has been teaching one- and three-day short courses on microspace for many years now. His courses examine managerial and technical approaches, and present-day techniques that have proven successful in minimizing mission cost. Previous clients for his Logic of Microspace course include US Space Command, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and numerous other organizations.
Also, see Dr. Fleeter’s latest book, The Logic of Microspace, which is now available from Microcosm [order book from Microcosm] and Amazon.com [order book from Amazon]. Below is an introduction to the course topics.
The Logic of Microspace
A Professional Course on the Technology and Management of
Minimum-Cost Space Missions
Developed and Presented by: Dr. Rick Fleeter, CEO AeroAstro, Inc.
Author of "The Logic of Microspace" and "Micro Space Craft"
About the Course
Space program budget cuts, commercial and international cost competition and continuous expansion in the capabilities of microelectronics are fueling a renaissance in very low cost spacecraft, typically weighing between 1 and 100 kg. The Logic of Microspace is the only professional development course bringing the aerospace professional and space systems user community a broad understanding of the philosophies, methods and approaches which underlie this expanding segment of space activity.
The course begins with mission design, stressing the interplay of requirements and spacecraft capabilities which allow maintenance of a very low-cost program. The class examines the managerial and technical approaches which do not scale to small programs, and alternative techniques which have proven successful are presented. Every aspect of a mission is affected by its size and budget, and the course treats each major technological area at an executive level, first reviewing some fundamental principles, and then their application to microspace products. The goal of this technical treatment is to enable the non-specialist to appreciate the issues associated with each of the disciplines associated with the overall spacecraft engineering effort.
Technical topics include:
- Rocket propulsion
- Space transportation for both earth-to-orbit and on-orbit maneuvering and control
- Orbit mechanics
- Radios and communications
- Thermal and structural analysis and design
- Attitude control
- Digital systems including CPUs and memory
- Software development and software/hardware tradeoffs
- Deployable and other mechanisms
- Electric power systems
Spacecraft development techniques, parts selection rationale including addressing radiation effects and parts qualification requirements, and typical mission development timelines are presented. Some specific program biographies are discussed to illustrate how minimum cost mission principles work in real programs.
The course includes an interactive design activity which challenges the attendees to develop system and spacecraft designs responsive to a specific set of realistic mission requirements.
The course concludes with a look forward at likely new missions and enabling technologies which are likely to prove most important to microsatellites.
Materials provided include:
- Complete set of lecture notes
- The textbook by the instructor, "The Logic of Microspace"
- Reference materials by the instructor and others
Who should attend?
Engineers and engineering managers wishing to lower cost and streamline schedules for both small and large space programs will find the course invaluable as it highlights opportunities for cost savings on any program and minimizing overall risk while minding resources. The course focuses on technical and managerial issues facing the project leaders – systems engineers and project managers – and will be helpful to them in bringing their program to a successful conclusion, with no or at least minimal bloodshed. Government policy and program formulation and management personnel, as well as architects and planners for communications, remote sensing and scientific spacecraft will gain fresh perspectives on emerging options in mission design and execution. Engineers involved in one or a few facets of spacecraft development and wishing exposure to the broader range of technologies and issues facing the overall program will find the course a helpful step towards broadening their perspective on minimum cost mission design and development.
What You Will Learn
Some topics addressed in the course include:
- Definitions of microsatellites
- How microsatellites differ from conventional spacecraft
- How microsatellite missions are planned to achieve minimum cost with high reliability
- Specific technological approaches used in microsatellites for propulsion, attitude control, electric power, communications, structures, thermal control, digital systems and software
- Finding the right ride into orbit – is low cost space transportation more than a myth?
- Parts and component selection, qualification and testing
- Team organization, management, cost and schedule control
- Microsatellite program planning and schedule
- Development techniques – e.g., analysis and fabrication methods, clean rooms and testing
- Mission operations, including ground station design and location
- Alternative approaches to quality assurance, documentation, reviews and staffing
- Critical review of several contemporary programs contrasting conventional and microsatellite methods
- Future microsatellite missions and technologies