Space Operations Overview

The Space Operations Overview program aims to illustrate the basic features of contemporary space operations.

The program will expose the complexities involved in the conduct of space operations and introduce learners to the basic underlying concepts of the physics of space. Factors that influence the ability of humans to interact with the domain including policy and law, the contested nature of the domain and space weather will be illustrated using real-life examples and simulations. The complexities of space mission design, launch and operations will be illustrated throughout the program using mission analysis and simulation software. The concepts of space security and the contested nature of the domain will be interspersed throughout the course as key themes.

What you will receive

Comprehensive set of course notes
UNSW certificate of attendance
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

Learning outcomes

By completing this course, learners will be able to:

Identify the main uses of the space domain
Outline the primary legal, policy and regulation guidelines applicable to Australian space operations
Describe main concepts of space domain awareness and the contested nature of the domain
Describe basic orbits, their uses and
Outline the impacts of space weather on the operation of spacecraft
Analyse basic space missions using software tools

Presenters

Dr. Melrose Brown
Dr. Brown is a senior lecturer and Space Program Coordinator for UNSW Canberra. In this role he leads the M2 space mission; comprised of two interacting 6U cubesats. His current research aims to apply coupling of high fidelity numerical simulations with ground and flight test to study the complex interaction between satellites and the space environment. He conducts research into the modelling and simulation of space vehicles in low earth orbit, develops orbit propagation and determination methods and techniques, space weather modelling and hypersonic fluid dynamics. He has been responsible for the numerical simulation and analysis of hypersonic flight vehicles including involvement with the vehicle's design, construction, testing and launch. Dr. Brown holds a Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Aerospace Engineering.

Course Information

Course outline

This course is broken into the following core learning topics:

Day 1:

The uses and users of the space domain
Law, policy and regulation
Spacecraft operations overview
Space domain awareness
Developments in space utilisation

Day 2:

Basic orbital dynamics
Threats to space operations
The space environment
Counter-space technologies and applications

Day 3:

Space mission planning
Space mission simulation and analysis

Counter-space and space threat simulation

Who should attend:

This is an overview course that assumes no technical background, nor space operations experience. Whilst the program contains technical material, a technical background is not necessary for learners to achieve all program outcomes.

The learner audience will come from a wide cross-section of industry, government, military, and personal interest backgrounds.

Those who need to appreciate how humans interact with the contemporary space domain without needing to replicate or implement the techniques to do so should attend the course. Those who work in space-adjacent or space-enabled industries and commercial operations, or law and policy-makers who need insight into how space policy and law may intersect with their area of expertise should also attend. People who are interested in seeing how current technologies and capabilities either assist or degrade space security, or demonstrate the contemporary space contest will also gain immense value from this course.

People looking to build upon any exposure to space or space technologies, or are considering longer-term post-graduate education in space operations and would like to gain more insight before deciding to undertake additional formalised study should also consider attending.

Cancellation policy

Courses will be held subject to sufficient registrations. UNSW Canberra reserves the right to cancel a course up to five working days prior to commencement of the course. If a course is cancelled, you will have the opportunity to transfer your registration or be issued a full refund. If registrant cancels within 10 days of course commencement, a 50% registration fee will apply. UNSW Canberra is a registered ACT provider under ESOS Act 2000-CRICOS provider Code 00098G.