Spacecraft Technology and Design 7.5 credits

About the course

The course comprises two parts: a theoretical module of 1.5 credits and a practical module of 6 credits. The course starts with reviewing the basics of orbital mechanics (2-body problem, relative motion, conservation of energy and momentum, and Kepler's laws) and continues with an introduction to orbital mechanics for artificial satellites (e.g., sun synchronous, geostationary, and Molniya orbits). Advanced concepts in spacecraft orbit including transfer orbit, gravity assist, and aerobraking are explained, and real examples are shown and discussed. Main concepts of spacecraft attitude, i.e. the orientation in relation to a horizontal plane, (rotation, reference frame and inertial frame, local vertical and local horizontal, and transformation strategy) are explained and an introduction through different spacecraft systems and subsystems (mechanics and structure, electronics and power supply, telecommunication, thermal control, propulsion, data handling, attitude control, sensors and scientific payloads) are provided. Various launch vehicles and landing strategies are explained, and the theoretical module ends with an explanation of various environments that a spacecraft may face during its journey to a target as well as the environment at the target.

In parallel to the theoretical session, a practical training will be conducted to develop specific skills including electronics, programming, and structural design required for designing and building a mini-satellite (CanSat). The practical module starts with an introduction to logic circuits and digital systems and continues with an in-depth explanation on computer architecture, automated and semi-automated control systems, and hardware programming. A review to C++ and/or Python programming is given. Different parts of CanSat are introduced and different project work units are explained. The students are then divided into groups and each group is expected to design and build their own CanSat and ground station, which need to be tested and pass intensive reviews including preliminary design review (PDR) and critical design review (CDR). During the launch campaign, CanSats and ground stations will be tested under real conditions.

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Apply

Spring 2027
- Spacecraft Technology and Design
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  VT27 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Application opens 15 September 2026
  
  Save education at universityadmissions.se
  
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  Starts
  25 March 2027
  
  Ends
  6 June 2027
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  50%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-5300O
  
  Eligibility
  
  90 credits including Thermodynamics, Physical Measurement Techniques and a first course in scientific computing or equivalent. Proficiency in English and Swedish equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies. Requirements for Swedish only apply if the course is held in Swedish.
  
  Selection
  
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  The online application opens 15 September 2026 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 October 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 19,038
  
  Total fee: SEK 19,038
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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