PHY3050 : Rocket Science!
- Inactive for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr David Rosario
- Lecturer: Dr Aleksey Kozikov
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To introduce our solar neighbourhood and explore the main dynamical principles of orbital motion. To explore spacecraft propulsion, astronavigation and space communications.
Outline Of Syllabus
The solar system and solar neighbourhood
The Sun and the solar wind, planets and their motion, the Earth - Moon system, Astronomical reference frames and time systems, the Earth’s magnetic field and radiation belts, the atmosphere of the Earth and other planets. The outer solar system, the nearest stars, and the Galaxy beyond.
Orbital Dynamics
Dynamics principles: Notation, n-body dynamics, gravitational fields, Keplerian motion.
Orbits: classes, total energy and momentum, position and velocity along an orbit. Orbital manoeuvres and relative motion in orbit. Orbital perturbations and the three-body problem Spacecraft Propulsion
Brief history of rocketry, the rocket equation and basic applications, nozzle theory and thrust control. Liquid propellant engines: principles and design. Solid propellant and hybrid motors: principles and design. Non-chemical propulsion: nuclear engines, electromagnetic propulsion, solar sails. Staging and trajectories.
Astronavigation: within and beyond the solar system
Pointing your spacecraft: attitude dynamics and manoeuvres.
Inertial navigation systems.
The Barycentric coordinate system; the International Celestial Reference Frame.
Earth-based spacecraft tracking systems.
Spacecraft-based navigation: star trackers.
Global Navigation Satellite systems (GNSS).
Space Communications
Introduction to Space Communication Systems. Modulation and coding in satellite links.
Free-space optical communications, quantum communications and secure Links.
Communication payload design for small satellites.
Ground segment and link budget analysis.
Systems Integration and Emerging Trends.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 42 | 1:00 | 42:00 | Formal Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | Completion of in course assignments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Hands-on activities tacking problems based on the concepts covered in lectures. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 100:00 | 100:00 | Preparation time for lectures, background reading, revision, coursework review |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher-order thinking. Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work. Workshops provide supported hands-on experience.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 85 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 15 | Low stakes problems to consolidate material covered in lectures and receive feedback on learning. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | Formative problems and quizzes will be used to enable students to monitor their own learning progress. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The coursework problem solving assignments allow the students to develop their problem-solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY3050's Timetable