AS3009 Spacecraft Sensors and Instrumentation Syllabus:
AS3009 Spacecraft Sensors and Instrumentation Syllabus – Anna University Regulation 2021
OBJECTIVES:
• To provide an overview of the different types of sensors and instruments flown on spacecraft.
• To provide students with an appreciation and understanding of the development of the design processes involved for different instruments.
• To explain, how the sensors and instruments interface with the spacecraft platform.
• To explain, Photon counting sensors and imagers
• To provide overview of space craft systems and satellite orbits.
UNIT I INTRODUCTION
Scientific Background – Parameters to be observed – Sensing platforms (rocket engine, satellites) – introduction to various sensors and instrumentation needed for satellite mission function.
UNIT II MEASUREMENTS OF CHARGED AND NEUTRAL PARTICLES
Pulse and Current modes – Pulse height spectra and analysis – Counting curves and plateaus – Energy resolution – Detector efficiency – Dead time – Analysers: Electrostatic, Magnetic-field, Time-of-flight – Detectors: Solid state, Scintillation counters, Electron multipliers – Actual instruments – Analog or pulse height spectroscopy electronics – Digital techniques – Impact of microprocessors on inflight data processing units – Power supplies – Neutral particle imagers.
UNIT III MEASUREMENT OF MAGNETIC AND ELECTRIC FIELDS
Fluxgate magnetometer – Search coil magnetometer – Optical absorption magnetometer. Electric Fields: Double probe technique – Beam experiments – Observation of electric fields parallel to the magnetic field.
UNIT IV PHOTON COUNTING SENSORS AND IMAGERS
Auroral imagers: Optical, UV, X-ray – X-ray sensors and imagers – Detection techniques, Grazingincidence optics – Charged Coupled Devices – Other imaging techniques – tomography.
UNIT V SPACECRAFT SYSTEMS AND SATELLITE ORBITS
Subsystems – Testing and Qualifications – Trade-offs – Role of orbit to investigation – Unusual orbital techniques: L1 orbit, double lunar swing-by.
TOTAL: 45 PERIODS
OUTCOMES:
On successful completion of this course, the student will be able to
• Explains how mathematics, physics, and engineering-based concepts are used to develop and design a sensor which complies with a set of specific requirements.
• Discusses essential topics such as cost estimation, signal processing, noise reduction, filters, phased arrays, radars, optics, and radiometers used in space operation.
• Covers a range of typical sensors used in the spacecraft industry such as infrared, passive microwave, radars and space-based GPS sensors.
• Spacecraft Sensors is an invaluable resource for engineers, technical consultants, those in the business division, and research scientists associated with spacecraft projects.
• Provide the necessary knowledge about space craft subsystems.
TEXT BOOKS:
1. Abid, Mohamed M., “Spacecraft Sensors”, Chichester, England; Hoboken, NJ: J. Wiley, 2005.
2. Kohichiro Oyama, Chio-Zong Cheng, “An introduction to space instrumentation”, Tokyo, Japan: Terrapub, 2013.
REFERENCES:
1. Yuri Surkov, “Exploration of Terrestrial Planets from Spacecraft: Instrumentation, Investigation, Interpretation”, Wiley-Praxis Series in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Ellis Horwood Ltd, 2nd Ed., 1990.