Space Missions & Operations

Course Overview

This comprehensive course covers the end-to-end lifecycle of space missions, from concept development through operations and mission completion. You'll learn how missions are designed, planned, and executed in both government and commercial space contexts. The course emphasizes practical operational knowledge and decision-making skills needed to successfully manage complex space missions across various mission types.

What You'll Learn

Module 1: Mission Concept Development

• Mission objectives and requirements definition
• Concept of operations development
• Mission architecture and design
• Feasibility assessment and mission analysis
• Science and technology mission differences

Module 2: Mission Planning and Preparation

• Mission timeline development
• Resource allocation and scheduling
• Team structures and responsibilities
• Risk management in mission planning
• Contingency planning and fault management

Module 3: Launch Campaign Operations

• Launch preparation activities
• Launch readiness reviews
• Launch vehicle integration
• Launch constraints and windows
• Early orbit operations

Module 4: Ground Segment Architecture

• Ground station networks and infrastructure
• Mission control center design and capabilities
• Data processing and distribution systems
• Communications architecture
• Security considerations in ground operations

Module 5: Flight Operations

• Real-time operations management
• Flight rules and procedures
• Telemetry monitoring and analysis
• Command planning and validation
• Anomaly detection and resolution

Module 6: Mission Control Techniques

• Console operations and discipline roles
• Flight director responsibilities
• Operational simulations and training
• Shift handover procedures
• Console log keeping and documentation

Module 7: Special Operations

• Spacecraft maneuvers and station-keeping
• Proximity operations and rendezvous
• Payload operations coordination
• Conjunction assessment and collision avoidance
• End-of-life operations and disposal

Case Studies

The course will examine real-world mission operations, including:

• International Space Station operations
• Mars rover mission operations
• Commercial satellite constellation management
• Deep space mission control challenges
• Launch campaign operations examples

Practical Experience

Students will participate in:

• Mission planning exercises
• Simulated operational scenarios
• Console position training
• Anomaly response drills
• Mission control software usage

Career Relevance

This course prepares students for roles in:

• Mission operations centers
• Spacecraft operations teams
• Launch operations organizations
• Ground segment service providers
• Mission planning departments

The skills developed are directly applicable across government space agencies, commercial satellite operators, launch providers, and space mission service companies.