Space Mission Design
PostgraduateCUR-NPSC50042025
Previously CUR-SPC515
Unpack how space missions are planned, resourced, and carried out. From ground, to launch, and space, this subject is an introduction to the major elements of space missions. Practice project management in space with a mission planning exercise.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 23 Nov 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 2 June 2025,
- 1 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $3,464
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Space Mission Design
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- design and justify suitable mission architectures for space missions accounting for the relevant considerations
- model the operation of a space mission in the space environment
- evaluate the suitability of different space mission architectures for particular mission scenarios
- demonstrate knowledge of space mission industry and regulatory requirements and space mission operations
- Space mission timeframe from proposal to operations
- Technical readiness level/project management/space operations
- Evaluation of space craft architectures under different scenarios
This subject provides students with a high-level understanding of space systems design and develops skills required to design successful space missions. The subject focusses on mission architecture and design but also covers fundamental space systems design including spacecraft design, orbital dynamics, communications, and a brief overview of space project management. Students will develop their skills by analysing, evaluating and designing realistic space missions.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integritymodule.
- Space Mission Case Study (25%)
- Mission Planning Exercise (25%)
- Space Mission Design Project (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-SPC515-Space Mission Design (no longer available)
Others
Students must have a Bachelor Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) discipline with a minimum completion of high school mathematics.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Audio video equipment required. Provide communication method.
- Other requirements - Access to the Internet.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.