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Unit outline_

AERO2705: Space Engineering 1

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit aims to introduce students to the terminology, technology and current practice in the field of Space Engineering. Course content will include a variety of topics in the area of orbital mechanics, satellite systems and launch requirements. Case studies of current systems will be the focus of this unit.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
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(AERO1560 or MECH1560 or MTRX1701 or ENGG1800) AND {(MATH1X61 or MATH1971) OR [(MATH1X21 or MATH1931) and MATH1X02]} AND [(MATH1X62 or MATH1972) OR (MATH1X23 or MATH1933)]. Entry to this unit requires that students are eligible for Space Engineering.
Corequisites
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None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

ENGG1801 or ENGG1810. First Year Maths and basic MATLAB programming skills

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Salah Sukkarieh, salah.sukkarieh@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Salah Sukkarieh, salah.sukkarieh@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Assignment 1
Simulation of satellite orbits and manoeuvres in plane.
25% Week 04
Due date: 24 Aug 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 29 Aug 2024
4 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO6
Assignment Assignment 2
Simulation of complex satellite orbits in 3D and off-plane transfers.
25% Week 08
Due date: 21 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 26 Sep 2024
4 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO6
Small test Theory and Systems
In-tutorial online assessment based on the theoretical and system concepts
10% Week 11
Due date: 17 Oct 2024 at 13:00

Closing date: 17 Oct 2024
1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO4
Assignment group assignment Group project
Group - simulation of space system, 20 page report and code.
20% Week 13
Due date: 02 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 02 Nov 2024
4 Weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Student seminar
Group presentation during lectures
20% Week 13
Due date: 28 Oct 2024 at 09:00

Closing date: 28 Oct 2024
2 hours total across the 4 weeks.
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

All assignments will be assessed according to the corresponding rubrics 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submissions will lose 5% per day of the assignment mark.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction, Fundamentals Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Assignment 1 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Independent study for assignment 1 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 02 Orbital Mechanics - 2D Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Assignment 1 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Independent study for assignment 1 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 03 Orbital Mechanics - Orbit as a Function of Time Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Assignment 1 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Independent study for assignment 1 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 04 Orbital Mechanics - 3D Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Assignment 1 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Independent study for assignment 1 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 05 Preliminary Orbit Determination Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Assignment 2 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Independent study for assignment 2 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 06 Orbital Trajectories and Manoeuvres Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Assignment 2 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Independent study for assignment 2 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 07 Further Orbital Trajectories and Manoeuvres Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Assignment 2 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Independent study for assignment 2 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 08 Further Orbital Trajectories and Manoeuvres Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Assignment 2 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Independent study for assignment 2 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 09 Space Systems Engineering Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Assignment 2 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Independent study for assignment 2 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 10 Space Systems Engineering Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment 3 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Independent and group study for assignment 3 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Space Systems Engineering Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment 3 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Independent and group study for assignment 3 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Space Systems Engineering Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment 3 Tutorial Activity Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Independent and group study for assignment 3 Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Summary Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

The lectures and tutorials will be delivered on campus only. 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. research and discover relevant information for the design and analysis of space vehicles
  • LO2. organise and present findings to a peer group
  • LO3. work as a team member on a project and distribute workload evenly amongst members
  • LO4. simulate orbital systems, transfers and injections
  • LO5. undertake a simple satellite design project and present their findings both in report form and verbally
  • LO6. identify and predict various orbits and trajectories for spacecraft.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
3.3. Creativity and innovation.
3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities.
3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
LO2
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
3.3. Creativity and innovation.
3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities.
3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
LO3
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
3.3. Creativity and innovation.
3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities.
3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
LO4
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
LO5
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.
4. ENGINEERING APPLICATION EXPERIENCE
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance.
4.3. Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria.
4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
4.6. Skills in operating within a business environment, organisational and enterprise management and in the fundamental principles of business.
LO6
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This UoS will involve bringing together information from the various elements into a conclusive group assignment.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.