GENERAL INFORMATION
Title of the Course: SPC 5065: Space Systems for Remote Operations
Course Code: SPC 5065
Credits: 3
Course requirement(s): None
Textbook: Space Mission Analysis and Design 3rd edition by Larson & Wertz, State of the art developments will be included through handouts from technical journals.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course emphasizes principles and practices of modern space & planetary robotics operations. Topics covered include principles of robotics, artificial intelligence and remotely controlled exploration, operation, observation and manipulation. Additional topics include the design of equipment for processing, manufacturing, maintaining, and repairing equipment in space, and in lunar and planetary environments.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
CLO1: Demonstrate fundamental principles and techniques used in the planning, design, and analysis of spacecraft robotics systems.
CLO2: Demonstrate the need for engineering tradeoffs in the development of spacecraft robotics systems.
CLO3: Demonstrate how to complete engineering tradeoffs in the development of spacecraft robotics systems.
CLO4: Prepare the student to be able to take part in the analysis of potential spacecraft robotics systems.
CLO5: Students will present a final research project on an area of robotic space systems.
CLO6: Students will write a final research project on an area of robotic space systems.
CONTENT AND ACTIVITIES
Week |
Topic |
Activities |
1 |
Current Events for Space Robotic Systems |
· Lecture: Course Overview & Robotics Introduction · Discussion -- Introduction and Research Topic · Assignment -- NASA & Future Robots |
2 |
Robotic/Human Interaction in Space |
· Lectures: Lessons Learned & Emerging Robotics Technologies, Evolution of the NASA/DARPA Robonaut Control, Providing Robotic Assistance During Extra-Vehicular Activity, Lessons Learned from Hubble Space Telescope Extra-Vehicular Activity Servicing Missions · Discussion -- Robotic vs Human Exploration · Assignment -- Emerging Technologies |
3 |
Robotic arms and manipulators |
· Lecture – Robotic Arms and Manipulators · Discussion -- Progress on Research · Assignment -- Robotic Arm Kinematics |
4 |
Telepresence and telerobotics |
· Lecture – Telepresence, Telerobotics, and Virtual Reality · Discussion – Telepresence Scenario · Assignment – AR & VR |
5 |
Ground Stations |
· Lecture – Space Missions and Ground Operations · Discussion -- Apollo Ops Lessons · Assignment -- Ground and Mission Ops |
6 |
Space-based Manufacturing and ISRU |
· Lecture – Robotic Exploration In Situ & Rovers · Discussion -- 3D Printing of In-situ Resources · Assignment – Space Manufacturing |
7 |
Remote Sensing |
· Lecture – Remote Sensing · Discussion -- Remote Sensing · Assignment -- Remote Sensing |
8 |
Constellations, Free-flyers, and Swarms |
· Lecture – Constellations · Discussion -- Term Paper · Assignment -- Term Paper · Assignment -- Final Exam |
ASSESSMENT
Assessment Type |
Items |
Points per Item |
Totals |
Weights |
Homework, Discussions, & Assignments |
15 |
5 - 25 |
170 |
40% |
Term Paper |
1 |
40 |
40 |
30% |
Final Exam |
1 |
100 |
100 |
30% |
|
|
|
|
|
Term Paper Requirements (Due Week 8)
1. The goal of the term paper is to provide an overview of an existing or planned spacecraft remote operations system or mission. Examples are the ISS Remote Manipulator Arm, The Mars Exploration Rover Mission, The Insight Lander Mission, etc.
2. Length must be at least six (but not more than eight) pages, double-spaced, 12pt font, with a separate title page.
3. Must include:
a. Title Page with the following:
i. Title
ii. Date of report
iii. “SPC 5065 Term Paper” on the title page
b. Content – should include:
i. The space mission summary (objectives, owners, duration, etc.)
ii. System requirements – What is the mission system designed to do?
iii. Hardware general characteristics (size, shape, power, mass, etc.)
iv. Detailed analysis of remote operation methodologies.
· How is the system commanded – autonomous or human controlled (and why).
· How often is communication affected
v. Why was this solution/system selected by the designers?
vi. Conclusions & thoughts on future related systems.
NOTE: Diagrams, figures, data tables, etc., are OK to use! This is a technical report…
c. References (if applicable)
4. MUST be turned in with the final exam at the end of the course. (Week 8)
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.
RESOURCES
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.
Table 1. Withdrawal Policy/Refund Chart
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 at https://www.fit.edu/policies/title-ix
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
David McMahan, Title IX Coordinator
Please note that as your professor, I am required to 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.
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):
Phone: 321-674-8285
Email: accessibilityresources@fit.edu
Website: https://www.fit.edu/accessibility-resources
Recording Disclosure (Privacy Waiver): This course may be recorded for use by students and/or faculty. Enrolled students are subject to having their images and voices recorded during the classroom presentations, remote access learning, online course discussions, and remote office hours/meetings. Course participants should have no expectation of privacy regarding their participation in this class. Recordings may not be reproduced, shared with those not registered in the courses, or uploaded to other online environments. All recordings will be deleted at the conclusion of the academic term.
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.