KL4003 - Introduction to Aerospace and Satellite Engineering

You will learn via a combination of lectorials, laboratories, directed learning and independent learning. You will experience a number of computer simulation tools, which will be used to enhance your understanding of the lecture material. You will also be exposed to state of the art communication facilities in the NESST Mission Operation Centre and radio antenna. Before each lecture you will be expected and encouraged to read ahead by reviewing the support material provided via the eLP to support your own learning outside of timetabled hours. Laboratory sessions will involve small team projects that develop core engineering skills competencies, such as teamwork, developing a procedure for work, developing a rigorous approach to design, and how to test a design and iterate it to a more ideal solution.


Within lectures and seminars, practical examples and analysis will be explored, and you will be expected to actively participate in these sessions. Some of these sessions may involve tutor lead Q+A sessions and student to student explanation and response at the front of class. In addition, you will be encouraged to research the subject through the directed learning, reading list and topic links. This will broaden your knowledge around the current theory, techniques and standards and the hence the future development in communications and enhance your experience for future employment.

The module is delivered as noted in both lectorials and workshops. These provide the key academic support to the module; however around this a number of support structures are included.
Workshops, supported by lab tutors, effectively provide verbal feedback and comments throughout the session. Such comments may be generic and applicable to all students, typically noting procedures or some technical guideline or could be more directed to the individuals learning.
The most appropriate use of blackboard (online platform) is made in the module where the module taught content is provided along with links to the reading list. Online screen videos are included on the eLP platform to help students understanding of key concepts related to this module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

MLO1. Apply mathematical principles to solve aerospace and satellite engineering problems. (AHEP4, C1)   


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO2 Produce design methodologies to design solutions to challenges associated with aerospace and satellite systems. (AHEP4, C4, C5,C18) 



MLO3. Use practical laboratory skills to investigate complex problems (AHEP4 C12)


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MLO4. Work effectively both individually and as a member of a team (AHEP 4 C16)

Summative assessments are done via two Coursework (CW):

One group written report to assess the design of a structure for a flying vehicle and the testing of that structure in the NESST facilities. This will be performed in small groups (5-6 students) and involve creating a design from a set of specifications (LO2, LO3, LO4).

One lab report will assess the use of a radio antenna to contact a satellite, including the mathematics of the orbit calculation to predict the satellite pass time, the calculation of the radio parameters to use and a demonstration of the radio link (LO1, LO3).



Formative assessment using e-portal software and e-learning tests and MCQ tests within lectures.

Students receive feedback via the e-learning portal tests and some additional feedback to answers given

The written report (LO2, LO4) will be worth 50% and the lab report (LO1, LO3) will be worth 50% of the module.

Feedback on formal reports will be given approximately three weeks after submission.

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In this module you will be introduced to fundamental aspects of aerospace engineering. We will cover a brief history of flight, the basics of designing aircraft and satellites, including the principles of buoyancy, lift, drag, propulsion, how to control flying objects, orbits, rockets, and radio communication systems, which define the key pillars of aerospace systems. As we do this, we will examine the practical approach to engineering and design, so that you are able to work in a laboratory, workshop, use the advanced facilities available at the University, such as clean rooms, radio antenna, and develop your own design for a flying vehicle that will be tested in the lab.



You will be taught via lectures, seminars and practical laboratory sessions. In addition you will also have access to a number of online support videos which will enhance your understanding of key topics in communication systems. You will also get to experience practical sessions in our state-of-the-art facilities, which are highly regarded as being amongst the best in the UK. You will be introduced to a wide range of techniques used in modern society. As technology is constantly evolving the syllabus is continuously updated to reflect this. Our academics are all heavily involved in researching new ideas and technology and this is reflected in our teaching, so you can experience the next generation of technology whilst it is still being developed.