Outline

Overview

This unit aims to introduce students to the terminology, technology and current practice in the field of Space Engineering. Course content will include a variety of topics in the area of orbital mechanics, satellite systems and launch requirements. Case studies of current systems will be the focus of this unit.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(AERO1560 or MECH1560 or MTRX1701 or ENGG1800) and {(MATH1X61 or MATH1971) or [(MATH1X21 or MATH1931) and MATH1X02]} and [(MATH1X62 or MATH1972) or (MATH1X23 or MATH1933)] Entry to this unit requires that students are eligible for Space Engineering
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	ENGG1801 or ENGG1810 or INFO1110. First Year Maths and basic MATLAB programming skills
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Salah Sukkarieh, salah.sukkarieh@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	Orbital Mechanics Fundamentals Quiz #earlyfeedbacktask Multiple choice quiz on fundamental orbital mechanics concepts covered in weeks 1-3. Provides early assessment of student understanding of spacecraft motion and orbital principles.	0%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 13:00 Closing date: 21 Aug 2025	30mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Assignment 1 Assignment including report and code	25%	Week 04 Due date: 30 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Aug 2025	approx. 18 hours, 9-12 pages plus code	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Assignment 2 Assignment including report and code	25%	Week 08 Due date: 27 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Sep 2025	approx. 18 hours, 9-12 pages plus code	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Theory and Systems In-tutorial assessment based on the theoretical and system concepts	15%	Week 11 Due date: 23 Oct 2025 at 13:00 Closing date: 23 Oct 2025	1.5hrs	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Assignment 3 / Major Project Final report and source code for major project	25%	Week 13 Due date: 08 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 Nov 2025	4 weeks, approx. 30 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 3 / Major Project: Presentation Weekly / Final demonstration/presentation and video on project.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 08 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 Nov 2025	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

All assignments will be assessed according to the corresponding rubrics

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submissions will lose 5% per day of the assignment mark.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Course introduction and spacecraft orbital mechanics fundamentals	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 1 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent study for assignment 1	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 02	Two-body dynamics and spacecraft equations of motion	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 1 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent study for assignment 1	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 03	Spacecraft orbital trajectories and mission orbits	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 1 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent study for assignment 1	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 04	Orbital coordinate systems and spacecraft reference frames	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 1 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent study for assignment 1	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 05	Orbital timing and spacecraft motion parametrisation	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 2 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent study for assignment 2	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 06	Spacecraft state vectors and orbital element determination	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 2 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent study for assignment 2	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 07	Spacecraft manoeuvres and orbital transfer design	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 2 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent study for assignment 2	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 08	Space-based remote sensing systems and mission design	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 2 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent study for assignment 2	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 09	Reading Week for Assignment 3	Lecture (2 hr)
	In tutorial quiz	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent study for assignment 2	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 10	Earth observation satellites and sensor coverage analysis	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 3 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent and group study for assignment 3	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 11	Satellite sensor performance and multi-mission integration	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 3 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent and group study for assignment 3	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 12	Autonomous space systems and onboard processing	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 3 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent and group study for assignment 3	Independent study (8 hr)
Week 13	Summary - orbital dynamics for space mission engineering	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assignment 3 Tutorial Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Independent and group study for assignment 3	Independent study (8 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The lectures and tutorials will be delivered on campus only.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Apply fundamental orbital mechanics principles to analyse spacecraft motion and positioning.
LO2. Design orbital transfers and trajectory manoeuvres for space mission applications.
LO3. Evaluate mission requirements to select appropriate orbits and trajectory solutions.
LO4. Develop computational models to simulate orbital systems and predict spacecraft behaviour.
LO5. Optimise observation geometries and ground coverage patterns for Earth observation missions.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains. 2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field. 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation. 3.3. Creativity and innovation. 3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities. 3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams. 3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation. 3.3. Creativity and innovation. 3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities. 3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams. 3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation. 3.3. Creativity and innovation. 3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities. 3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams. 3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains. 2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field. 2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity. 4. ENGINEERING APPLICATION EXPERIENCE 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems. 4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance. 4.3. Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria. 4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements. 4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives. 4.6. Skills in operating within a business environment, organisational and enterprise management and in the fundamental principles of business.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains. 2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field. 2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This UoS will involve bringing together information from the various elements into a conclusive group assignment.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AERO2705: Space Engineering 1

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links