ELEC-E4210 - Introduction to space, 07.09.2020-08.12.2020

Översikt

• Course content and learning outcomes
  Course structure

  There will be one theory session and one practice session for each topic. The sessions are complementary, the first aiming to give the theoretical and scientific background and the latter to provide practical details, such as simulations, assignments, discussions, and so on, to enhance the student's understanding. The theory sessions are on Mondays and the practice sessions a week later on Tuesdays, with the deadline for returning assignments typically on Mondays at the start of the next lecture.

  Many of the theory and practice sessions are live lectures via Zoom, however, some theory and practice sessions are partially or fully "automatic" in the sense that they can be studied independently online at any time. In these cases there may not be live sessions on Mondays and/or Tuesdays at all. Details of each session are described on the Course schedule page, with corresponding information about how to participate. Be sure to check each session's details beforehand so that you know how it will be organized, and whether you need to attend a scheduled teaching session or not.
  

  
  

  Theory sessions on Mondays at 10-12
  

  • First theory session 7.9.2020.

  
  

  Practice sessions on Tuesdays at 12-14
  

  • First practice session 15.9.2020.
    

  
  

  Exam

  The exam will be held online on Tuesday 8.12.2020 at 13 - 15.
  

  Workload

  • Contact hours: 48h (2x2h / week)
  • Independent work: 87h

  
  

  Course content

  • Basics of astronomy and space physics.
  • Building blocks and central properties of the universe and the solar system.
  • Emission mechanisms
  • Coordinate systems.
  • Celestial mechanics & orbits.
  • Observations of astronomical and solar system phenomena.
  • Space technology and missions.
  • Space science and technology research and education at Aalto University.

  
  

  Learning outcomes

  • After the course the student has the basic knowledge of astronomy, space physics and space technology that are needed for further studies.
  • The student knows the structure and central physical properties of the universe and the solar system, and the objects contained in them.
  • She/he identifies the basic concepts and tools of astronomy and space physics, and is able to solve simple problems related to them.
  • The student can list what kind of observations can be made of astronomical and solar system phenomena, and what is the motivation behind such efforts.
  • She/he can compute simple orbits of satellites using celestial and orbital mechanics, and can apply various celestial coordinate systems.
  • The student recognises the basic vocabulary used in space science and technology, and how Aalto University is situated in the national and international space research scenes.

  
  

  Teachers
  

  Anne Lähteenmäki, Esa Kallio, Jaan Praks, Merja Tornikoski and Joni Tammi. Assistants: Irene Björklund & others.