Description
Prerequisites
- Mathematics & Physics Foundations: Algebra, trigonometry, introductory calculus, and core physics concepts including mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism
- Basic Space Science Knowledge: Understanding of orbits (LEO, GEO, trajectories), spacecraft types, and fundamental subsystems such as propulsion, power, and communications; completion of MC1: Space Fundamentals for Professionals, MC3: Fundamentals of Satellite Engineering and Communications and MC5: STEM for Space Professionals and Careers or equivalent experience is recommended
- Engineering Literacy: Ability to read technical diagrams and schematics, perform unit conversions, and understand the stages of an engineering project lifecycle
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Competence in breaking down complex systems into subsystems, interpreting technical data, and applying basic performance calculations
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of space systems engineering and the subsystems of the International Space Station
- Identify categories of space systems and explain the systems engineering lifecycle using the Space Shuttle as a case study
- Explain NASA’s systems engineering practices and apply them to real-world missions
- Describe mission design processes, orbital mechanics, and concept of operations with case studies
- Develop and write effective system requirements aligned with NASA’s lifecycle phases
- Apply system architecture principles to allocate functions and manage design baselines using real mission examples
- Identify and analyse key spacecraft subsystems and their integration
- Explain the processes of interface management, systems integration, and spacecraft fabrication
- Understand and apply verification and validation processes in space systems through testing strategies and case studies
- Evaluate advancements in systems engineering, model-based approaches, and sustainability in future space systems
Course Overview
The Fundamentals of Space Systems Engineering (MC2) course introduces a structured, mission-driven approach to designing, developing, and managing space systems throughout their lifecycle. Drawing on core systems engineering principles from a NASA perspective, it uses the International Space Station as a central case study to illustrate real-world applications.
You will explore the full systems engineering lifecycle, including mission design, requirements development, and architecture, supported by practical examples such as SOHO and TIMED. The course emphasises subsystem design and integration across propulsion, thermal, power, communications, and control, alongside testing, validation, and system integration reviews.
It concludes with an examination of future trends, including Model-Based Systems Engineering, sustainable engineering practices, and emerging technologies that are shaping the next generation of space systems.
- Format: Instructor-led and Self-paced
- Total Duration: 110 hours
- Level: Beginners
What You’ll Learn
Topic 1: Introduction to Space Systems Engineering
T1.1 Introduction to Space Systems Engineering
- Introduction to Space Systems Engineering
- Engineering Complexity: The ISS
- Systems Engineering in a snapshot
- What is a system?
- A Brief history of Systems Engineering
- What is system Engineering?
- NASA View on SE
- What’s involved in Systems Engineering?
- NASA’S SE Engine Model
T1.2 An Overview of the International Space Station
- The International Space Station ( Overview, Historical Purpose )
- Sub-Systems Of ISS ( Structure, Thermal, Electrical, Guidance, Navigational and Control , Propulsion, Environmental Control and Life Support System, Communication, Onboard accommodations & payloads, etc.)
- What is not System Engineering?
Topic 2: Space Systems & the systems lifecycle
T2.1 Space Systems
- NASA’s Approach to SE ( Standards, NASA’s Systems Engineering Lifecycle, Project Lifecycle Processes Flow, Alternate Lifecycle Models)
T2.2 Categories of Space Systems
- USSF Segments
- NASA’s civil mission architecture
- Types of Spacecrafts
- Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program , Deep Space Network, Near Space Network
T2.3 The Space Shuttle
- The Space Shuttle – a Systems History
- Phase A: Concept and Technology Development
- Phase B: Preliminary Design and Technology Completion
- Phase C: Final Design and Fabrication
- Phase D: System Assembly, Integration and Test, and Launch
- Phase E: Operations and Sustainment
- Phase F: Closeout
Topic 3: NASA Systems Engineering Practices Overview
T3.1 What’s unique about Space System Engineering?
- Revision – Systems Engineering in a snapshot
- What’s unique about Space System Engineering?
T3.2 Understanding NASA
- NASA 101 (Directorates, Centers & Facilities, Policy Structure )
- T3.3 The NASA Systems Engineering Engine
- NASA’S System Engineering Engine (Core Processes)
- Incorporating other ‘do it’ Ideas
T3.4 Systems Engineering (SE) in context – SOHO
- SOHO (Basics, A complex endeavour, Instruments on SOHO )
Topic 4: Mission Design, Concept of Operations & Mission Analysis
T4.1 A System’s Genesis
- System genesis
- Pre-Phase A: Concept studies
- CONOPs ( Definition, CONOPs example, Key Processes Flows)
T4.2 A Review: Orbits & Flightpaths
- Orbits
- Space Flight Trajectories (Definition, Types of Trajectories)
T4.3 Mission Design & Analysis
- NASA’s Civil Mission Architecture
- Mission Design & Analysis: Overview, Constraints, Modelling, Modelling Tools, Trade studies, Planning
- Cassini-Huygens- Example
Topic 5: System Design Processes 1: Identifying Requirements
T5.1 Moving from a Concept of Operations
- Revisiting the NASA SE Lifecycle, Project Life Cycle Process Flow
- Phase A purpose, Key Activities
- The Systems Engineering Journey
- The Journey – From Another Angle
T5.2 Identifying & capturing requirements
- Flow-down of Requirements, Technical Requirements Definition Process
T5.3 Writing requirements
- Purpose of Requirements
- Main Classes of Requirements
- Other ‘cross-cutting requirements’
T5.4 NASA’s checklist of writing Good Requirements
- NASA’s Checklist on Writing Good Requirements
- Definition
Topic 6: System Design Processes 2: Architecture & Allocating Functions
T6.1 Requirements
- Moving from Requirements
- Logical Decomposition
- Functional Analysis
- Functional Flow Block Diagrams (FFBD)
- Requirements Allocation Sheets / Models
- N2 Diagrams
T6.2 The Product Breakdown Structure
- Product Breakdown Structure (PBS)
- Product Hierarchy
T6.3 SABER instrument / TIMED spacecraft Real-world case studies
- The Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere, Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) Spacecraft
- SABER Critical Design Review
- Overview of TIMED Spacecraft
- Spacecraft Electrical Interface
T6.4 Shuttle & Chandra X-ray Observatory
- Environmental Control and Life Support System
T6.5 Baselines & Key Reviews
- Concept of Baselines
- Emphasis on PDR & CDR
- The Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
- Completing a Successful Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
- From an Architecture to a Solution
- Phase C: Final Design and Key Activities
Topic 7: Subsystems & Payload Engineering
T7.1 Final Design
- Key Spacecraft Sub-Systems – Overview (Structural ,Power, Propulsion, Communications, Command and Data Handling Subsystem , Attitude Determination & Control Subsystem)
- Subsystems Integration and Trade-offs
T7.2 CASE STUDY: Subsystems Engineering in Mars Rover
- Vehicle Systems
- Payload & Environmental Systems on Perseverance
- Mars Helicopter (Ingenuity) Subsystems Engineering
Topic 8: Interface, Integration & Fabrication
T8.1 The notion of Integration
- The Integration Journey
- Phase D: Assembly, Integration & Test (Key Activities)
T8.2 Interfaces & Systems Integration
- Interfaces & Systems Integration(Understanding Interfaces, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), ICD Example)
- Challenges in Subsystems Integration
- Testing and Verification in Integration
T8.3 System Reviews
- Critical Design Review (SABER Critical Design Review Example)
- System Integration Review
T8.4 Fabrication & Assembly
- Various Integration Phases of a Spacecraft
- Production Centers
- Australian Satellite Development – Skykraft
Topic 9: Testing, Verification & Validation
T9.1 Fabrication & Assembly
- V&V is a Hierarchical Endeavour
- Testing and Implementation
- Hierarchy of Test Concepts
- Testing Objectives
- Broad Categories of Testing
- Testing Forms ( Specific Technical Tests )
- Testing Example – Huygens Probe Drop-Test
- Environmental Testing
- Australian testing capabilities – ANU Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre
- Simulation and Software Testing
- Integration Testing
- Implementation Phase
T9.2 CASE STUDY – James Webb Space Telescope
- Testing example – Huygens Probe Drop-Test
- System Verification and Validation (Understanding Verification and Validation, V&V Processes in Space Systems Engineering, Standards & Protocols)
- COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) Components in Space Systems
Topic 10: Systems Engineering Practises revisited
T10.1 Some Principles for Systems Engineering
- Some Principles for Systems Engineering
T10.2 Systems Engineering in Service
- Phase E: Operations and Sustainment ( Key Activities)
- Engineering During Operations
- International Space Station
- Software Updates
- Voyager Updates
- Hardware Updates
T10.3 Where Systems Engineering (SE) fits with Project Management (PM)
- Systems Engineering (SE) & Project Management (PM) (Significant Overlap)
- NASA Context of Goals, Objectives & Requirements
- Specific Issues in Management of Space Programs
- Space Project Management (Objectives & Principles , Elements )
- Project Breakdown Structures
- Function Tree & Product Tree
- Work Breakdown Structure (Requirements & Development, Work Package, Program Schedule – Gantt Chart )
Topic 11: Being a Systems Engineer
T11.1 NASA’s View of the Systems Engineer
- NASA’s View of the Systems Engineer
- “An art and a science”
- NASA’s Systems Engineering Competency Model
- System Design Competencies
- Product Realisation Competencies
- Technical Management Competencies
T11.2 Associated Technical Disciplines
- Technical Disciplines
- Cross-Cutting Discipline Areas
- How to Become a Systems Engineer?
Topic 12: Recap, Developments in Systems Engineering & Space Systems Sustainability
T12.1 Model-Based Systems Engineering
- Overview of MBSE (definition and scope)
- Application of MBSE at JSC
- Overview of MBSE (Key principles, Benefits)
- MBSE in Space Missions (Future Trends)
T12.2 Use of Standards
- Increased Standarisation
- Common Standards in Space Systems
T12.3 Key Emerging Technologies in Space Systems
- In-Space Manufacturing
- Nuclear Propulsion
- Reusable Rockets
T12.4 Key Emerging Technologies in Space Systems
- Satellite Constellations
- Solar Sails
- Mars Sample Return Mission
- Space Debris Mitigation
Course Delivery
- Hybrid delivery model – part instructor-led, part online delivery
- Competency-based assessment
- Mapped to active space programs and missions
- Accredited courses delivered by space industry professionals
Who Is This Course For
This course is designed for:
- Early-career engineers and professionals seeking to build a foundation in space systems engineering
- STEM graduates and university students aiming to apply systems engineering principles in the space sector
- Government and policy professionals involved in space programs, regulation, or strategy development
- Defence and aerospace personnel requiring an understanding of spacecraft systems and mission lifecycles
- Technical managers and project leads who oversee or coordinate space-related projects
- Educators and curriculum developers in STEM fields looking to expand their knowledge of applied space engineering
- Space industry entrants or career changers exploring opportunities in mission design, subsystem development, or systems integration
- Professionals in adjacent industries (e.g., aviation, robotics, telecommunications) interested in transitioning into space systems work
