Course syllabus for Space technologies and human astronautics

Course syllabus adopted 2025-04-28 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameRymdteknik och bemannad astronautik
  • CodeTRA495
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTRACKS
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • DepartmentTRACKS
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 97191
  • Minimum participants8
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0125 Project 7.5 c
Grading: TH		3.7 c3.8 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)

Specific entry requirements

A degree of at least 180 ECTS within Engineering and/or Technology or the equivalent. English level should be equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Course specific prerequisites

In addition to the general requirements to study at the first-cycle level at Chalmers, students should have basic understanding of physics and mathematics. Familiarity with fundamental aeronautical or aerospace engineering principles are advantageous but not required. Students can also acquire these skills during the course.
Letter of motivation.
The examiner must approve admission.

Aim

The course aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of space systems, spaceflight technologies, and the broader context of space exploration and utilization. It emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and systems engineering approaches relevant to space missions. Students will explore basic aspects of spacecraft design, mission planning, space environments, and the societal impacts of space activities. Through theoretical lectures, problem solving exercises, workshops, student visits, and simulations, the course prepares students to engage with current and future challenges in the space sector.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • Critically and creatively identify and formulate advanced engineering problems.
  • Manage open-ended problems with limited information.
  • Lead and collaborate in multidisciplinary teams.
  • Communicate technical and non-technical information effectively in both oral and written formats.
  • Analyse the key components of a space system and explain their interrelationships.
  • Interpret mission objectives and formulate corresponding technical requirements.
  • Apply conflict resolution strategies to manage and resolve individual and team conflicts in space-related projects.
  • Identify the main international standards and regulations related to space activities.
  • Assess the environmental and societal implications of space technologies.
  • Develop conceptual spacecraft designs and plan basic mission profiles, including scientific experiments.
  • Obtain an internationally recognized "Introduction to Analogue Astronaut" certificate (optional).
  • Demonstrate hands-on proficiency with simulation tools or prototype systems in space engineering.

Content

Lectures and activities include: history and future of space exploration, brief introduction to basic aerodynamics, types of space missions, introduction to orbital mechanics, spacecraft subsystems (power, propulsion, thermal, attitude control, communications), systems engineering for space, satellite and payload integration, launch and mission operations, space environment, space habitants, human performance in space, emerging technologies (e.g., cubesats, reusable rockets), and ethical considerations of space activity.
Group projects are focused on human space mission and its associated experiments design and analysis.

Organisation

The course is coordinated by Chalmers University of Technology and delivered by academic staff and industry professionals. It consists of two major parts: a theoretical section delivered through lectures and seminars, and a practical section involving case studies, simulation exercises, and/or site visits.
Planned visits include Onsala Space Observatory, Copenhagen Planetarium and relevant companies or research centres involved in the space sector (subject to confirmation).

Literature

Course materials will include selected chapters from space engineering textbooks, ESA and NASA documentation, academic articles, and relevant regulatory frameworks. Materials will be provided through the course's learning platform.

Examination including compulsory elements

  1. Continuous Assessment: Quizzes and short assignments.
  2. Group Projects: Design, projects with written and oral presentation.
  3. Participation in Labs/Workshops: Evaluation of practical engagement.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.