The course involves the conceptual design of a partially-reusable space launch system. This Aerospace Design Project work is done in groups of typically 5-6 students. The first part of the work consists of a detailed analysis of the performance of example launch systems as defined defined in an assignment. The next step involves applying this insights gained from this assignment into defining an initial concept design. In the final part of the project, a selected concept is worked out in detail along with computer aided drawing/design (CAD).

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40% Written Assignment (15% individual logbook/peer review, 25% group performance)

40% Report: Group report (15% individual contribution/peer review, 25% group contribution)

20% Oral Assessment & Presentation: Group Presentation

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

It is not practicable to offer reassessment in any aspect of this course that requires practical or group work.

The aims of this course are to:

■ provide inisight into the design and performance analysis of space launchers

■ provide an exercise in applying CAD in a conceptual design context

■ provide the experience of working on a project in a group environment;

■ provide the opportunity for report preparation and the development of oral presentation skills;

■ encourage the discipline required for accurate record keeping;

■ allow the student to perform an in depth investigation of a design problem relevant to the contemporary Aerospace Engineer;

■ encourage independent thought and the application of analytical skills to an unfamiliar area;

■ introduce basic research techniques.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ conduct a performance analysis of multi-stage space launcher

■ draw an engineering system using CAD;

■ use CAD libraries, tools and layers;

■ present detailed components assemblies and projections using CAD;

■ work successfully with his/her colleagues;

■ demonstrate good communication skills;

■ produce a well written report;

■ deliver an effective oral presentation;

■ keep an accurate record of their work in a log book;

■ undertake basic research.

For course without an exam but with a laboratory:

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components of the course's summative assessment.

Students must attend the timetabled laboratory classes.

Students should attend at least 75% of the timetabled classes of the course.

Note that these are minimum requirements: good students will achieve far higher participation/submission rates.  Any student who misses an assessment or a significant number of classes because of illness or other good cause should report this by completing a MyCampus absence report.