ACES Program
Course Development
The ACES Program created an Associate of Science degree at the Community College of Denver in Pre-Aerospace Systems Engineering Technology. This degree allows students to transfer to Metro State College of Denver (MSCD) and earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Systems Engineering Technology or Aerospace Operations Technology. The development of the ACES program and related coursework focused on increasing the number of minority students participating in STEM related fields.
As part of the ACES program, the following coursework was developed and implemented in the fall semester of 2008 and spring semester of 2009. These classes are offered 100% online, and are disseminated to enrolled students via a secured server.
AES 3600 Aerospace Flight Operations I
Students review the history of space exploration and related issues motivating human inquiry and travel in space. Effects of the space environment on operations near Earth and in deep space are investigated. Topics focus on identifying and understanding essential elements and systems comprising modern space vehicles and missions. Students analyze various national policies, treaties, and international laws affecting space operations. Fundamentals of interplanetary travel, orbital prediction, and launch and reentry operations are also investigated.
AES 3600 Specific (Measurable) Student Behavioral Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
- Understand significant historical factors of space technologies and exploration - Identify and describe essential factors of the space environment and their impact on space operations - Apply basic laws, treaties, and policies of space law to various aspects of space operations - Describe and synthesize terminologies and concepts associated with essential elements and systems comprising modern space vehicles and mission operations - Describe and analyze issues and challenges related to interplanetary travel, orbital prediction, and launch and re-entry operations
Detailed Outline Of Course Content (Major Topics and Subtopics) or Outline Of Field
1. History of Space Exploration II. Pre-20th century exploration III. Development of rocketry IV. 20th century exploration V. Future exploration 2. The Space Environment II. The space environment III. Spacecraft in the space environment IV. Humans in the space environment 3. Elements of Space Vehicles & Missions II. Propulsion systems III. Space transportation systems IV. Payloads 4. Space Law, Treaties & Policies II. History and development III. Applications of space law, treaties, and policies on space operations 5. Transiting to and from Space II. Launch & reentry operations III. Orbital prediction IV. Interplanetary travel
AES 4601 Aerospace Flight Operations II
This course investigates advanced issues related to space operations. Topics include payload and spacecraft designs, bioastronautics, spacecraft control systems, and launch vehicles. Emphasis is placed on current and proposed space transportation systems, space stations, and planetary exploration. Students practice principles of orbital mechanics and related calculations applied to the operational management of space vehicles and space stations.
AES 4601 Specific (Measurable) Student Behavioral Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
- Explain and synthesize advanced operational processes for space operations mission and design - Explain and analyze basic dynamics of spacecraft subsystems and identify the principles of each spacecraft subsystem - Identify and formulate basic principles of rocketry and propulsion systems - Evaluate the fundamental requirements for operating and managing various spacecraft command, communications, navigation, and control systems - Describe and synthesize operational considerations related to space stations, space transportation systems, and planetary exploration. - Analyze and calculate key elements related to orbital mechanics
Detailed Outline Of Course Content (Major Topics and Subtopics) I. Introduction to space systems operations engineering II. Spacecraft design and payload integration III. Bioastronautics IV. Spacecraft command, control, navigation, and communication V. Launch Vehicles VI. Space Operations a. Space transportation systems b. Space stations c. Planetary exploration VII. Introduction to orbital mechanics
AES 4602 Commercialized Space Operations
This course explores past, current, and proposed business ventures focused on creating commercial opportunities in space. Students will consider factors of risk associated with conducting space business. Case-based analyses and projects designed to understand and conceptualize potential new commercial space organizations will be conducted within the class.
Specific (Measurable) Student Behavioral Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Present challenges and opportunities unique to space commercialization and related operations to entrepreneurs, investors, and consumers - Understand and describe the growth of space commercialization and potential industries derived from government sponsored aerospace related activities - Analyze opportunities and risks associated with privatized space ventures and related operations - Conceptualize and plan general processes associated with developing new commercialized space related products and services
Detailed Outline Of Course Content (Major Topics and Subtopics) or Outline Of Field Experience/Internship (experience, responsibilities and supervision): 1. History and Development of Commercializing Space 2. Commercial Launch Developments 3. Licensing and Legal Issues 4. Commercial Launch Act 5. Orbit Topologies for Commercial Activities 6. Space Rights and Real Estate 7. Space Utilities 8. Weather 9. Communications 10. Space-based Navigation – Global Positioning System 11. Space Imagery Information 12. NASA Technology Transfer Program 13. Space Stations 14. Future Ventures 15. Tourism 16. Mining 17. Power Generation 18. Scientific Applications 19. Biomedical 20. Virtual Space Travel
AES 4603 Aerospace Operations Systems Analysis and Design
Students are introduced to concepts related to conceptualizing, designing, and integrating commercial space systems. Processes and analytical tools related to systems integration, systems engineering, and operational management are included. Students learn mathematical techniques for assessing risks, optimization, and design-tradeoffs commonly used by commercial operations in the space industry.
Specific (Measurable) Student Behavioral Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
- Understand and describe basic processes and considerations for spacecraft systems engineering, integration, and operational management - Apply the primary factors affecting spacecraft design including human factors engineering, logistics support, design tradeoffs risk identification, mitigation techniques and long-duration low Earth and deep space operations - Appraise the fundamental processes that facilitate the design, development, integration, manufacture, deployment, support, and disposal of space systems
Detailed Outline Of Course Content (Major Topics and Subtopics) I. Mission Definition and Analysis A. Characterization B. Evaluation C. Requirements II. Mission Operations and Ground System Design III. Orbit and Payload Definition, Design, and Operations A. Mission geometry B. Orbit definitions, Perturbations, Maneuvers, Launch windows C. Orbit and Constellation design IV. Spacecraft Subsystems and Component Integration and Operations A. Command and Control B. Attitude Control C. Power D. Thermal E. Structures F. Propulsion V. Launch Systems Engineering and Control VI. Spacecraft Construction, Testing, Logistics, & Reliability VII. Cost Analysis