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GL5065: INSTRUMENTATION FOR PLANETARY EXPLORATION (2021-2022)

Last modified: 21 Sep 2021 11:50


Course Overview

This course provides practical training on some of the most challenging issues of space exploration. In this course, the student will overview the present and future challenges of space exploration, including in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), sample return missions and planetary protection (PP).

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Prof Maria-Paz Zorzano

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

In this Course, the students will get familiarized with the space exploration roadmap and the international space treaties. The students will also understand the main challenges of sustaining a habitable environment in space, such as the ISS, considering life support systems and radiation protection. The course will include practical exercises where students can propose an ISRU solution or demonstrate their ability to dress in PP garments, which is a prerequisite to operating in a cleanroom.

Outline of topics:

  • Overview of the roadmap for deep space exploration. 
  • Historical review of the policies for space exploration. Space treaties. 
  • Challenges in space exploration 1: Life support systems and radiation shielding. 
  • Challenges in space exploration 2: In-Situ-Resource-Utilization 
  • Challenges in space exploration 3: Planetary Protection
  • Challenges in space exploration 4: sample return missions.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Four-page essay performing analysis of data downloaded from Planetary Data System. The students will download the data from NASA Planetary Data System and perform an analysis using analytical tools.

The use of analytical tools will be taught during the classes.

There will be supporting online and face-to-face lectures.

Individual feedback for essay will be given online.

Word Count
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the most challenging issues of space exploration
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the main challenges of sustaining a habitable environment in space
FactualRememberSpace exploration roadmap and the international space treaties
ProceduralAnalyseSpace procedures
ReflectionEvaluateEnhance critical thinking and reasoning skills

Essay and presentation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Four-page essay and presentation reviewing a space mission from Planetary Data System. The students will download the data from NASA Planetary Data System and perform a critical review.

There will be supporting online and face-to-face lectures

Individual feedback for essay and presentation will be given online.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the main challenges of sustaining a habitable environment in space
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the most challenging issues of space exploration
FactualRememberSpace exploration roadmap and the international space treaties
ProceduralAnalyseSpace procedures
ReflectionEvaluateEnhance critical thinking and reasoning skills

ISRU solution, or demonstrate ability to dress in PP garments

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Supporting lectures online and face-to-face on ISRU, and ISRU hardware demonstration in the laboratory.

Practical training about Planetary Protection protocols and dressing garments.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberLearn the Planetary Protection protocols
ProceduralAnalyseSpace procedures
ProceduralApplyIn-situ resource utilization and clean room facilities
ProceduralCreateEnhance visual presentation skills
ReflectionEvaluateEnhance critical thinking and reasoning skills

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed elements

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the most challenging issues of space exploration
FactualRememberSpace exploration roadmap and the international space treaties
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the main challenges of sustaining a habitable environment in space
ProceduralAnalyseSpace procedures
ProceduralApplyIn-situ resource utilization and clean room facilities
FactualRememberLearn the Planetary Protection protocols
ReflectionEvaluateEnhance critical thinking and reasoning skills
ProceduralCreateEnhance visual presentation skills

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