Utilising the EyasSAT Concept in Space Systems Engineering Courses at the University of Surrey
- Paper number
IAC-06-E1.4.04
- Author
Mr. David J. Barnhart, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Tanya Vladimirova, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Alex Ellery, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Craig I. Underwood, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, United Kingdom
- Year
2006
- Abstract
EyasSAT is a revolutionary concept in space systems engineering education [1,2]. Up until now, space systems engineering has been typically conducted behind the cloak of clean rooms protecting intellectual property by a select few individuals with millions of dollars at stake. To the contrary, EyasSAT has ushered in an opportunity for large numbers of students with varied backgrounds to build, test, and “fly” a satellite in the classroom, at virtually no financial risk.
The EyasSAT Educational Satellite System (ESS) is not just a fully-functional nanosatellite, but a complete systems engineering experience. Student teams working in the context of an introductory, engineering, or professional short course are guided through virtually the entire satellite acquisition process. After deriving (optionally), understanding, and validating the basic system requirements, students begin the process of verifying test results from hands-on integration against those requirements. By the end of the course, students have worked through all the significant issues associated with each spacecraft subsystem and have a better understanding how they work in concert as a complete spacecraft system.
A brief overview of the EyasSAT development history and system description is presented first, followed by the successes and lessons learned in using EyasSAT to augment the University of Surrey’s two space systems engineering courses: Space Mission Design for second year students and Spacecraft Bus Subsystems for third year students. The potential use of the ESS for final year undergraduate and Master of Science postgraduate projects will be discussed.
[1] D. J. Barnhart, O. NG Ritchey, J. J. Sellers, J. J. White, T. L. White, J. B. Clark, J. “EyasSAT: Transforming the Way Students Experience Space Systems Engineering,” in Proc. 2004 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition Proceedings, 2004.
[2] D. J. Barnhart, J. J. Sellers, C. A. Bishop, J. R. Gossner, J. J. White, J. B. Clark, “EyasSAT: A Revolution in Teaching and Learning Space Systems Engineering,” in Proc. AIAA Space Systems Engineering Conference, Atlanta, GA, November 2005.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E1.4.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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