This course explores fundamental and applied topics concerning aerospace vehicles, especially aircraft and spacecraft in flight. The course describes and assesses the performance of these vehicles based on the mechanics and flight dynamics such as atmospheric, orbital and attitude dynamics, under which they are operated. It delivers the design process of those systems using engineering tools represented by mathematics, optimization, articulation/control, numerical approach, based on the parameters governing their performance. It also covers topics related to the economic, safety and operational considerations for aircraft and spacecraft. This course also provides students with the opportunity to undertake computational simulations and experiments to understand and reflect on the covered topics.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the atmospheric flight dynamics with respect to the key parameters of performance for an aircraft.
- Describe the aviation systems and subsystems onboard an aircraft and the design procedures relevant to those systems.
- Describe and identify the orbital dynamics and assess performance with respect to key parameters for a spacecraft.
- Describe the astronautical system and subsystems onboard a spacecraft and the design procedures for those systems.
- Formulate, design and computationally simulate the operation of an integrated aerospace system and evaluate and critically reflect on its performance against set parameters.
- Evaluate and communicate economic, environmental, commercial, safety and regulatory considerations related to the development, manufacture and operation of aerospace systems.
Indicative Assessment
- Quiz/Homework (5) [LO 1,2,3]
- Design project demonstration and report (30) [LO 3,4,5,6]
- Lab participation and report (15) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Student presentation (10) [LO 1,2,6]
- Final exam (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours per semester consisting of the following activities:
· 12 x 2-hour lectures, 3 x 3-hour computer labs, 1 design project, quizzes/homework assignments.
· Self-study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks, and self-directed study
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5280 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8905 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |