Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2016 - 2017

Module Title	Space Science and Technology
Module Code	PS213
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

Module Aims: To introduce students to the space industry and bring them up to date on the recent developments in space and space technology. To demonstrate how space technology applies to everyday life (eg satellite tv, mobile communication, gps systems etc..) To introduce the basic principles of space science & technology such as:Orbits, data transfer, communications, rocket propulsion, human space flight, history of space technology, stage separations, launch systems, organizations- NASA, ESA. To illustrate in particular the astronomical applications of space science.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply the principles of Mechanics to the problem of space flight.
2. Outline and discuss the influence of the Sun and solar variability on Earth's environment.
3. Identify the procedures adopted by space agencies to plan, build and launch space experiments.
4. Discuss the role of space experiments in the advancement of astrophysical research.
5. Outline the technical characteristics of the astronomical space experiments that have brought about major discoveries in this field.
6. Identify the problems connected with human space flight.
7. Demonstrate research and communication skills

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 lectures per week
Tutorial	6	1 hours per week
Assignment Completion	10	prepare presentation on assigned scientific paper
Independent Study	85	studying lecture material, solving numerical problems, background reading
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Syllabus
Introduction to the space sciences.Space as unique laboratory. Space travel. Earth environment. Interplanetary space. Solar cycle and influence on Earth environment. Gravitation and mechanics. Orbital mechanics: motions of planets and satellites, launch of a space vehicle, orbits and orbit perturbations, orbit maneuvers, launch windows, orbit maintenance, escape velocity, interplanetary travel. Mission inception, spacecraft classification. Rocket propulsion, on-board systems, communications and Deep Space Network. Future mission and associated new technologies. Astronomy in space: examples of space missions at various wavelengths.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

AP	BSc in Applied Physics
BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSA	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAO	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
PHA	BSc in Physics with Astronomy
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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