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What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will be introduced to fundamental techniques that are essential to aerospace and satellite engineering. You will learn the history of aerospace from first flight to space exploration, the basics of aerodynamics, powered flight, aircraft control systems, flight and orbital dynamics, rockets, satellite systems and the basics of radio communication systems. The module also introduces the skills of engineering: design, analysis, and the rigorous approach to manufacturing and testing procedures that are the hallmark of aerospace industry. The practical aspect of the module has two key areas of focus: structures for flying vehicles, and radio communications. In the laboratory sessions students will be challenged to work in teams to build lightweight structures that can withstand the forces required to fly and test them, and use the university radio antenna to create a radio link with a satellite and understand the fundamentals of satellite radio communications including the basic characteristics of signals used in satellite communications, evaluation of performance, and analogue and digital modulation techniques.
How will I learn on this module?
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.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
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.
What will I be expected to read on 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)
What will I be expected to achieve?
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)
How will I be assessed?
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.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
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.
Course info
UCAS Code Z071
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2026
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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