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Human Spaceflight: Mission Analysis and Design

Course Description:

This space training course provides the conceptual framework for developing human space missions starting from a blank sheet of paper. It describes and teaches the manned space mission design and analysis process. The entire course is process oriented to equip each participant with the practical tools to complete a conceptual design and analyze the impacts of evolving requirements. The content is presented in a 13 week format with detailed homework sets in a design exercise format to give first-hand experience with the techniques presented. This course is designed for program managers, engineers and scientists who need to understand the complete process involved in designing human space missions.

Space Training Course Objectives:

At the end of this course, you will be able to…

  • Summarize human spaceflight mission design principles, limitations and processes and apply them to develop goals, objectives as well as top level requirements
  • Describe the physiological and psychological limitations and challenges for humans to live and work in space
  • Explain basic principles of orbital mechanics and how they apply to human missions. Apply these principles to calculate and analyze trajectory and orbit maneuver options for different mission concepts.
  • Describe and apply space element architectures, design and sizing principles and processes for on-orbit, ascent and re-entry operations. Apply sizing principles to estimate mass and power for a given set of requirements.
  • Characterize the scope, functions and physical architecture options for human spaceflight support systems such as Environmental Control and Life Support, Thermal Control, EVA Systems and others. Apply sizing principles to estimate mass and power for a given set of requirements.
  • Discuss scope, functions and requirements for mission operations elements including 
  • Operations Planning; Command, control and communications (C3); Logistics; and In-situ resource utilization (ISRU).

Course Topics:

MODULE 1: MISSION DESIGN

  • Designing Human Space Missions
  • Safety of Human Space Missions
  • Space Environments

MODULE 2: CREW

  •  Physiology of Human Spaceflight
  • Human Factors and Psychology
  • International Crewed Missions

MODULE 3: ORBITS & TRAJECTORIES

  •  Understanding Orbits
  • Describing and Using Orbits
  • Orbit Maneuvering and Rendezvous
  • Entry, Descent, Landing and Ascent

MODULE 4: THE SPACE ELEMENT

  •  Designing and Sizing Space Elements
  • Designing and Sizing Transfer Vehicles
  • Cost Estimating

MODULE 5: SUPPORT SUBSYSTEMS

  • Thermal Control
  • Environmental Control and Life Support
  • Crew Accommodation
  • ADCS/GNC
  •  Electrical Power
  • Data Handling
  • Structures
  • Space Propulsion
  • EVA Systems

MODULE 6: MISSION OPERATIONS ELEMENT

  • Mission Operations
  • Command, Control and Communications (C3)
  • Logistics Support
  • In-Situ Resources

HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT CASE STUDIES

  • Project: Mars
  • International Space Station
  • Soyuz
  • Commercial Crew
  • Lunar Outpost

Go more in depth

  • The companion book is a great aid during this course. It can be purchased here.

Unique Features Of Online Course

  • 28 guided lectures – presented by several of TSTI’s award winning instructors; the equivalent of a semester-long course
  • Continuous feedback on your progress through lesson review questions, quizzes and exams
  • Explore topics in depth via two part homework set to apply what you’ve learned each step of the way
  • 100% self-paced – you have up to 6 months to complete the course on your own time when it is convenient for you!
  • 24/7 access to all course material through our exclusive learning management system
  • Certificate of Completion with 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Interested in this engineering training course?

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