Spacecraft Dynamics
& Control Laboratory
Courses
AER407: Space Systems Design
This course introduces the real-world engineering of designing a space system with the classic top-down design methodology. It is very hands on and is largely taught by experienced engineers from MDA. Students work in teams to design all aspects of the proposed space system. Each team member is responsible for one of the following areas: Operations, Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Control, and Science. Classes consist of lectures, followed by workshops culminating in the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and the Final Report. Previous design projects have included an Enceladus Sample Return Mission, Robotics for a Lunar Outpost, a Mars Pentrator, a Planetary Orbiting Space Telescope, a Lunar Descent/Ascent Vehicle, and an Asteroid Mining Mission.