Lecture “Space Transportation Systems & Projects”

 

The university lecture „Space Transportation Systems & Projects“ (LV-No. 0534 L 842/3) amounts to 8 hours per week (8 SWS). Along with “Space Systems Design“, “Space Program Planning & Space Operations“, “Satellite Technology“, and “Attitude Determination & Control“, it builds the basis for all lectures offered to students in the field of Astronautics during the summer term 2004 at the Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Berlin University of Technology.

The aim of the lecture is to manage in team work the main development phases of a complex system up to the testing of the prototype. This will be done with a hot water propulsion system as a practical example. 

The lecture consists of interactive and often multidisciplinary team exercises and work packages under conditions according to work methods of the industry whereas work intensity, protocols, intermediary reports and presentations as well as manufactured components build the basis of valuation for the participation certificate. The lecture, which is held during two semesters, essentially includes the following key aspects:

·         Project planning and organisation

·         Realisation of self-defined objectives

·         Interdisciplinary team work and communication

·         Design, manufacturing and testing of hot water rocket propulsion components

·         Test facility operation

·         Rocket launches and take-off assistance operation

·         Internal and external presentations

The winter term 2003/2004 was the sixth cycle of this lecture series. For each cycle, the main project task always varies. The first part in the winter term usually serves for the conception, construction and assembly phase while the second part in the summer term is mostly used for system enhancements with the adjacent validation and test phase. For this reason it is recommended to begin the lecture in the winter term. In principle, it is also possible to start in the summer term. During past cycles, the following projects were completed.

         ·         WS 98/99 & SS 99:   Development of the hot water rocket AQUARIUS SKYDIVER

         ·         WS 99/00 & SS 00:   Development of the hot water rocket AQUARIUS A-MAX II

         ·         WS 00/01 & SS 01:   Development of the valve assembly for AQUARIUS X-RATOS II

         ·         WS 01/02 & SS 02:   Enhancement of the AQUARIUS test facility (first part)

         ·         WS 02/03 & SS 03:   Enhancement of the AQUARIUS test facility (second part)/ test phase

In the current cycle (WS 03/04 & SS 04), the two-stage hot water rocket B4-2 is being enhanced, manufactured and tested.

The significance of the lecture is documented by numerous study research projects and diploma theses in the field of hot water rocket propulsion. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to present their results at internal and external events such as the International Aerospace Exhibition and Conferences, the International Space Station Forum as well as the International Astronautical Congress. This way, they can improve their rhetorical skills and presentation techniques, an invaluable tool for a career with executive functions in their future professional life.