Course detail

Space Structures Design

FSI-OK3-AAcad. year: 2025/2026

The student gets acquainted with the environment in which he will use space technology and for which he will design space technologies. He will also have an idea of the construction and function of basic space assets and the scope and problems of their use. They will be informed about special materials and in the final phase they will get acquainted in more detail with the basic possibilities of using space technology.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Robert Popela, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Aerospace Engineering (LÚ)

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of space, acquired during the study of physics, basic problems of technical mechanics, including hydromechanics and thermomechanics, knowledge of materials and their properties used in aviation.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The student is evaluated according to the knowledge of the written and oral final exam. The condition for admission to the exam is at least 70% attendance at lectures and fulfilment of all assignments that will be solved within the exercises.
The quality of the ongoing training will be checked through control tests during the exercise. The results of these tests will then greatly affect the final evaluation of the exam.

Aims

The aim is to acquaint the student with the basic aspects of space research, with space technology and provide him with space to use this knowledge in optimal decision-making and self-solving individual problems.
It is assumed that the student will be able to analyse problems in a broad context, in evaluating the problems from various perspectives, as well as from different levels.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Jeger: Projektirovanije samoletov, , 0
Torenbeek E.: Synthesis of Subsonic Airplane Design

Recommended reading

Daněk V.: Projektování letadel, , 0
Torenbeek E.: Synthesis of Subsonic Airplane Design

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-AST-A Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory
  • Programme MPA-SAP Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory
  • Programme N-ENG-A Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Robert Popela, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to space technology
2. Basic concepts of cosmology and astronomy
3. Artificial satellites, classification, functions, factors influencing an artificial satellite during flight
4. Areas of use of artificial satellites
5. Construction and basic systems
6. Space stations
7. CubeSats and space debris
8. Return systems, their possibilities, advantages and disadvantages
9. Materials for space technology
10. Use of artificial satellites and satellites for near and far space research
11. Use of artificial satellites for remote sensing of the Earth
12. Use of artificial satellites in meteorology
13. Use of artificial satellites for navigation systems

Exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Robert Popela, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Comparison of the speed of development of space technologies in different countries

2. Discussion on the issue of outer space
3. Analysis of radiation, as one of the factors influencing the operation of artificial satellites
4. Analysis of areas of use and partial evaluation of their contribution in the given area
5. Development of selected satellite systems over several decades
6. Evaluation of usability and efficiency of space stations
7. Possibilities of protection against space debris
8. Analysis of advantages and disadvantages of space shuttles
9. Materials for extremely thermally stressed parts of rockets
10. Use of satellites to research planets in the solar system and exoplanets
11. Remote sensing with a focus on the assessment of natural disasters
12. Principles of work of meteorological satellites
13. Analysis and comparison of current navigation systems