Space Operations Major

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Space Operations (Space Ops)
Offered by the Department of Astronautics.

Space Ops 360. Basic Mission Operations Fundamentals. Introduction to the principles, problems and history of space operations. Elements of space operations are examined including operation management, planning, architecture, and execution. Ground station hardware, software, and communication principles are also explored. The course concludes with ground station qualification training and certification. The certification prepares the student at the entry level to support active satellites like FalconSAT missions, which are student-built satellites produced through the Astro 436/437 course sequence.

Space Ops 461.Space Mission Operations I. A second course in space operations. Advanced topics in space operations are discussed, such as satellite pass prediction, planning and execution. Students interface with engineers and program managers in Small Spacecraft Engineering I (Astro Engr 436) to develop mission operations concepts and plans for current and future FalconSAT missions. Students maintain and operate group equipment in support of ongoing satellite operations. At the conclusion of this course, the student will be fully qualified to train future students in any of the three positions-Ground Station Operator, Satellite Operator, or Crew Commander.

Space Ops 462.Space Mission Operations II. A third course in space operations. Advanced topics in space operations are discussed, such as ground station design and placement, ground support equipment design, and satellite communication subsystem design. Students interface with engineers and program managers in Small Spacecraft Engineering II (Astro Engr 437) and with operators at Schriever AFB, Colorado to fully develop their understanding of mission operations concepts and plans for current and future FalconSAT missions. Students serve as trainers and mentors for other students enrolled in Space Ops 360. Students also execute mission support for any active FalconSAT mission.