Outline

Overview

This unit aims to teach students the fundamental principles and methods of designing solutions to estimation and control problems in aerospace engineering applications. Students will apply learned techniques in estimation and control theory to solving a wide range of different problems in engineering such as satellite orbit determination, orbit transfers, satellite attitude determination, satellite positioning systems and remote sensing. Students will learn to recognise and appreciate the coupling between the different elements within an estimation and control task, from a systems-theoretic perspective. Students will learn to use this system knowledge and basic design principles to design and test a solution to a given estimation task, with a focus on aerospace applications (such as satellite remote sensing).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	65% average in {[AERO3360 and (AERO2460 or AERO3460) and AERO3560 and AERO3760] or [AERO3760 and MECH3261 and MECH3361 and (MECH2460 or MECH3660)] or [AERO3760 and AMME3500 and (MECH2460 or MECH3660) and MTRX3700]} and must have passed AERO3760. Students must have achieved a minimum average mark of 65% in 3000-level or higher Engineering units for enrolment in this unit
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Xiaofeng Wu, xiaofeng.wu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Research analysis	Preliminary design review - part 1, report A preliminary design report on the satellite missions and system designs.	20%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Mar 2026	4 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Preliminary design review – part 2, presentation A preliminary design presentation.	10%	Week 05 Due date: 23 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Mar 2026	-2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Critical design review - part 1, report A critical design review report on the satellite design.	30%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 May 2026	5 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Critical design review – part 2, presentation A critical design review presentation.	10%	Week 10 Due date: 04 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 May 2026	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical or creative task	Assembly, integration and test report An assembly, integration and test report / a complete satellite demo	30%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Jun 2026	4 weeks	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

This course will have three major assignments, all group-based.

Part I: Preliminary Design Review (30%)

1. The students will perform the preliminary design given the requirements in groups; Each group will submit a preliminary design review report based on the preliminary designs. (20% of the course mark);
2. Each group will give a presentation based on the preliminary design (10% of the course mark);

Part II: Critical Design Review (40%)
3. Each group will submit a critical design review report based on the mock-up satellite hardware and software designs and functional testing results (30% of the course mark);
4. Each group will give a presentation based on the critical design (10% of the course mark);

Part III: Assembly, Integration and Test (30%)
5. Each group will build and test a mock-up satellite with real hardware and software; Each student will give a demonstration of his design in the satellite system (20% of the course mark);
6. Each group will submit an Assembly, Integration and Test report (10%);

7. Each student will be assessed according to his/her quality of work as shown in the group reports and products. Peer assessment through Sparkplus will be used to determine each student’s work in each assignment. The Sparkplus Relative Performance Factor (RPF) will be capped at 1.10.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 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:

After the deadline, the student/group will receive 5% late penalty for each day.

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	Introduction and system engineering	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Preliminary design practice/lecture/guest lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Preliminary design practice/lecture/guest lecture	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Preliminary design practice/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Preliminary design practice/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Preliminary design practice/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Preliminary design practice/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Preliminary design review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Preliminary design review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Satellite subsystem design/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Satellite subsystem design/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Satellite subsystem design/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Satellite subsystem design/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Satellite subsystem design/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Satellite subsystem design/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Satellite subsystem design/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Satellite subsystem design/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Critical design review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Satellite subsystem design/lecture/guest lecture/progress review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Satellite assembly and functional testing/progress review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Satellite assembly and functional testing/progress review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Satellite assembly and functional testing/progress review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Satellite assembly and functional testing/progress review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Satellite assembly and functional testing/demonstration	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Satellite assembly and functional testing/demonstration	Tutorial (2 hr)
Weekly	The students need to work in groups on the project at least 8 hours per week.	Self-directed learning (104 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

1. Each student shall join a group to complete the assignment tasks;

2. Each student shall attend the tutorials for the group design activities;

3. Each student shall attend the lectures to participate in group discussions.

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.

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. have obtained knowledge of system engineering aspects of designing spacecraft
LO2. have obtained knowledge of spacecraft bus subsystems & design
LO3. perform space mission analysis & design
LO4. have obtained knowledge of the space environment & its effects
LO5. have obtained knowledge of applications of small, low-cost satellites
LO6. communicate the design philosophy as well as the results
LO7. document the design process in sufficient detail that another engineer can continue on with the work just by going through the log book
LO8. design as a team of engineers.

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

Responding to student feedback

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

Spark Plus will be used to assess each student's performance in the group work.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

The students must follow the WHS requirements when working in the labs.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AERO4701: Space Engineering 3

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links