Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2019 - 2020

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. Orbital Mechanics and the use of various orbits for space flight.
2. Discuss the difficulties and limitations of launching satellites into orbit
3. Planetary atmospheres and their influence on astronomy.
4. The use of satellites and space probes in astronomy and planetary exploration
5. Rocket propulsion and the difficulties in launching, using and recovering satellites.
6. Identify the problems connected with human space flight.

*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

Orbits
Orbits and satellites

Space environment
Astronomical windows in the atmosphere. Problems of operating in space

Astronomical satellites
Space astronomy in the optical, high energy and microwave regions.

Orbital mechanics
Types of orbits, potential and kinetic energy, transfer orbits.

Rocket propulsion
Types of rockets, launch sites and the Space Shuttle

Satellite systems
Control, communication and power systems for satellites

Manned spaceflight
Requirements for manned spaceflight, atmospheric reentry and braking systems. Landing on planets and moons.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

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

H D Young & R A Freedman: 2019, University Physics, 15th, Pearson,

Other Resources

35491, Website, NASA, 0, NASA website, US, https://www.nasa.gov/, 35492, Website, ESA, 0, ESA website, Europe, https://www.esa.int/ESA, 35493, Website, 0, Space website, https://www.space.com/, 35494, Lecture notes, E Cunningham, 0, PS213 lecture notes, DCU, Loop.dcu.ie,

Programme or List of Programmes

AFU	Age Friendly University Programme
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)
IESA	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
IESAO	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
PHA	BSc in Physics with Astronomy
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

Archives: