EE 472 (was EE 492) - Space Astronomy and Introduction to Space Science

Designation:

Senior/Grad-level technical elective for Electrical and Aerospace Engineering students

Catalog Data:

EE 472 (ASTRO 492/AERSP 492): The physical nature of the solar system, atmosphere, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and measurement of their properties by remote sensing and by spacecraft/probes. Prerequisites: EE 330 or Phys 400 or equivalent.

Prerequisites by topic:

1. Skill with vector calculus
2. Understanding of concepts of E&M Fields and their interaction with dielectric materials and familiarity with Maxwell’s Equations. Understanding should be at the level of EE330 or equivalent.
3. Familiarity with basic atomic physics and quantum mechanics

Course Objectives:

This course provides the foundational education in space physics, as applied for communications, ionospheric physics, atmospheric physics, satellite hardware design, space exploration. Through the lectures, in-class demonstrations, out-of-class curious observer assignments, and homework problem solutions, the students are provided learning experiences that enable them to:

1. Develop understanding of plasmas and solar physics. Expand the students learning experience knowledge of electromagnetic theory and Maxwell’s equations by exploring the sea of electromagnetic fields which are part of our natural environment.
2. Examine the solar wind and understand its interaction with the Earth’s magnetic field to form the magnetosphere.
3. Study the formation of the ionosphere to appreciate the processes of ionization of the atmosphere gases by solar ultraviolet radiation, and the subsequent important effects of the ionization on the propagation of radio waves.
4. Understand the physics of the neutral atmosphere at a level to appreciate the processes which govern the formation of the ozone hole and the development of global warming.
5. Investigate the near Earth radiation environment to understand the dose and effects upon electronic components. Design considerations for satellite systems and hardware components are considered.
6. Understand the celestial coordinates to be able to locate stars, planets and other space objects. The class astronomy night gives each student an opportunity to observe several objects using a telescope.
7. Develop facility to use project management tools, team building, WBS, and Gantt Chart.
8. Become a curious observer through observer assignments to encourage lifetime learning.

Topics:

1. Astronomy (2 classes)
2. Solar Physics (2 classes)
3. Neutral Atmosphere (2 classes)
4. Plasma Physics (4 classes)
5. Solar Wind (2 classes)
6. Geomagnetism (2 classes)
7. Magnetosphere (2 classes)
8. Ionosphere (3 classes)
9. Ionospheric Variability (1 classes)
10. Radiowave Propagation (1 classes)
11. Communications (1 classes)
12. Spacecraft Operations (2 classes)
13. Spacecraft and Instrument Design (2 classes)
14. Project Engineer Role (2 classes)

Class/laboratory schedule:

Two 75-minute lectures each week, one evening three-hour laboratory on astronomy, and one day tour of aerospace company.

Computer Usage:

1. Astronomy program made available and used to investigate planet and star locations.
2. Project management software is used to prepare a WBS and Gantt Chart for project planning.

Laboratory projects and assignments:

Student project includes a special learning experience for student to investigate a space physics topic. The semester long project includes skill development by the use of a Gantt Chart as a planning tool, class presentation develops presentation skills and the written report provides important technical writing exercise.

Contribution to meeting the professional component:

This course provides the a background understanding which has permitted many of our graduates jobs in the aerospace community.

Relationship to program outcome:

1. Graduates will have in-depth technical knowledge space system design and engineering as an area of specialization. [Ref: Outcome O.3.1.]
2. Graduates will have practical understanding of the major electrical engineering concepts and demonstrate application of their theoretical knowledge of the concepts through their use of Maxwell’s equations applied to the electromagnetic environment in which we live. [Ref: Outcome O.3.2.]
3. Graduates will develop an appreciation of life-long learning from the excitement of understanding space exploration. [Ref: Outcome O.4.2.]
4. Graduates will possess oral and written communication skills which are developed by the project report and presentation required of each student. [Ref: Outcome O.5.2.]