I. GENERAL INFORMATION
SPACEPORT EDUCATION CENTER
FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Title of the Course : Space Communications and Data Systems
Course Code : SPC5006
Textbook : Satellite Communications (McGraw Hill) by Dennis Roddy, Fourth Edition, ISBN 978-0-07-146298-3
Prerequisites: None
II. COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course emphasizes principles and practices of modern spacecraft communications and data transfer. Topics covered include methods of data acquisition (including storage and processing), digital modulation techniques, radio frequency link analysis (including antenna performance, ground station arraying, weather effects, noise and bit error rate calculation methods), channel capacity and data coding. State-of-the-art developments will be included through handouts from technical journals.
III. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
CLO1: Analyze complex spacecraft telecommunications systems using fundamental principles of digital modulation, RF link analysis, and data coding techniques.
CLO3: Critique state-of-the-art developments in space communications by analyzing current technical literature and research papers.
CLO4: Evaluate the influence of current space exploration trends and commercial developments on space computer and data system design and mission planning.
IV. CONTENT AND ACTIVITIES
No term paper or presentation is required for this class. A midterm and final exam will be given. Students are required to take tests and turn in assignments as scheduled. A hand-held, scientific calculator is required for most homework and tests. Availability of a Personal Computer with mathematics and spreadsheet software would help the student but is not required. Working together on homework is permitted as long as each student’s name who helped is listed on the solution.
The emphasis in a graduate course of study is self-directed research. Not all homework problems can be solved by using textbooks. You may need to seek out answers from coworkers, computer databases, or the internet. Do not limit yourself to learning the minimum “required” to pass the class or complete an assignment. This is a good time to rely on the expertise of others in your class and your chosen field. Be curious, ask questions, and be prepared to contribute to the classroom discussion when you have a solution.
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction and overview of satellite systems, analog signals Ch. 1 and 9 |
| 2 | Modulation/Demodulation Techniques (AM, FM, PM), Ch. 9 (cont.) Digital Signals, Ch. 10 |
| 3 | Computer Systems, International Space Station C&DH. |
| 4 | Geostationary Orbits Ch. 3, The Space Segment Ch. 7 |
| 5 | Superheterodyne Receivers, Space Link Ch. 12 |
| 6 | Radio Wave Propagation, Ch. 4, and Spacecraft and Ground System Antennas Ch. 6, Link budgets |
| 7 | Deep Space Network, TDRS, Polarization Loss Ch. 5. |
| 8 | Station Arraying and Weather Effects |
V. ASSESSMENT
Assignments 40%
Midterm Exam 30%
Final Exam 30%
University Grade Scale
Your total point value will be transformed to a percentage. A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, F = 0-59%. Refer to the catalog for more details.
VI. RESOURCES
VII. INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES
Academic Accommodations: Florida Tech is committed to equal opportunity for persons w/disabilities in the participation of activities operated/sponsored by the university. Therefore, students w/documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable educational accommodations. The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) supports students by assisting w/accommodations, providing recommended interventions, and engaging in case management services. It is the student’s responsibility to make a request to OAR before any accommodations can be approved/implemented. Also, students w/approved accommodations are encouraged to speak w/the course instructor to discuss any arrangements and/or concerns relating to their accommodations for the class.
Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR):
Academic Honesty: Located in the Student Handbook
Academic honesty is highly valued in Florida Tech's online courses. The student must always submit work that represents original words or ideas. If any words or ideas are used that do not represent those original words or ideas, the student must cite all relevant sources and provide a clear definition of the extent to which such sources were used. Words or ideas that require citation include, but are not limited to, all hard copy or electronic publications, whether copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual communication when the content of such communication clearly originates from an identifiable source. In the Florida Tech online course, all submissions to any public meeting bulletin board or private mailbox fall within the scope of words and ideas that require citations if used by someone other than the original author.
Academic dishonesty in an online learning environment could involve:
Any of these practices could result in charges of academic dishonesty. For the complete Florida Tech policy on academic dishonesty, cheating, and plagiarism, see the Florida Tech Student Handbook.
Attendance: Attendance is required on a weekly basis. Students are expected to view the online lectures in the week they are offered, and to log onto the site often enough to remain abreast of the communication in the Inbox/Discussion or Announcements tab or direct information from the professor. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of everything happening in the class online.
Course withdrawal: To withdraw prior to the start of class, you must contact your advisor. Once class begins, you must withdraw using Florida Tech's online student account system (PAWS). If you are a new student, PAWS access information will be provided prior to class start. You have the prerogative of dropping a course until the end of the first week of classes without receiving a grade of "W." After the first week, a grade of "W" will be assigned up until the final published date for withdrawing (the last day of Week 6). That grade will be reflected on your transcript, but not calculated into your grade point average. Withdrawals after Week 6 will result in a grade of "F." You are responsible for maintaining written evidence of all drops/withdrawals.
Telephone and email drops/withdrawals will not be accepted. The following table clearly outlines Florida Tech's withdrawal and refund policies. PAWS is accessible through the university portal TRACKS Florida Tech.
|
Week |
Withdrawal Permitted |
Tuition Refunded |
Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Yes |
100% |
By Sunday 11:59 p.m. ET |
|
2 |
Yes |
60% |
By Sunday 11:59 p.m. ET |
|
3 |
Yes |
40% |
By Sunday 11:59 p.m. ET |
|
4 |
Yes |
No Refund |
By Sunday 11:59 p.m. ET |
|
5 |
Yes |
No Refund |
By Sunday 11:59 p.m. ET |
|
6 |
Yes |
No Refund |
By Sunday 11:59 p.m. ET |
|
7 |
No |
No Refund – No Withdrawal |
|
|
8 |
No |
No Refund – No Withdrawal |
|
Student Code of Conduct: Florida Tech values a community based on the principles of integrity, civility, and respect. As such, the FIT community expects students to behave in a manner that supports these principles. The Student Code of Conduct is a document that describes behavior that is counteractive to these principles and how the university will hold students accountable to those inappropriate behaviors. See the Code of Conduct/Grounds for Disciplinary Action.
Sexual Harassment: Florida Tech is committed to the fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity and human dignity. To fulfill its multiple missions as an institution of higher learning, FIT encourages a climate that values and nurtures collegiality, diversity, pluralism, and the uniqueness of the individual within our state, nation, and world. All decisions and actions involving students and employees should be based on applicable law and individual merit. FIT, in accordance with applicable federal and state law, prohibits discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.
Title IX Statement: The university’s Title IX policy is available on the fit.edu website. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs and activities. Florida Institute of Technology policy also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.
Florida Tech faculty are committed to helping create a safe learning environment for all students that is free from all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. If you, or someone you know, have experienced or is experiencing any of these behaviors, know that help and support are available. Florida Tech strongly encourages all members of the community to take action, seek support, and report any incident of sexual harassment or gender discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator at 321-309-3068.
Please note that your professor must report any incidents to the Title IX Coordinator.
If you wish to speak to an employee who does not have this reporting responsibility, please contact the Student Counseling Center at 321-674-8050.
Disaster Statement
School Closure
Florida Tech observes national holidays, and students are not required to participate in classes on such days. In the case of an emergency closure of Florida Tech, if classes can still operate, they will continue. If the Learning Management System is unavailable for maintenance reasons, classes will resume as quickly as possible, and students should check the Florida Tech Security website regularly for updates.
Natural Disaster
If a natural disaster impacts the Melbourne, Florida, area, all students should check the Florida Tech Security website or call (800) 888-4348 for updates.
If a natural disaster occurs near students’ residences, they should contact their professor and advisor. Final decisions on the appropriate timeline to complete course requirements are at the discretion of each professor.