Space Systems Engineering - Study line
Learn to design, develop, and qualify scientific space instruments and spacecraft systems for space research and geophysics.
Study line: Space Systems Engineering
Learn to design, develop, and qualify scientific space instruments and spacecraft systems for space research and geophysics.
Measurements and observations from space are of fundamental importance for physical sciences such as geophysics and astrophysics. As such, the development of scientific instrumentation and space-based systems is essential to provide high-quality data to increase knowledge about our world.
Students following the study line 'Space Systems Engineering' will learn how to design, develop, and qualify scientific space instruments and satellite systems and how to use advanced analysis methods and physical and mathematical modelling to ensure that these complex systems are compliant with mission requirements. Furthermore, these instruments and support systems (e.g. navigation, communication) need also to operate and perform efficiently in the harsh conditions of space for which verification techniques before launch into space are essential to be implemented.
Graduates will be able to contribute to the development of state-of-the-art instruments and support systems for use in extreme environments like space. Graduates may, for example, become key employees for commercial companies working with hi-tech systems like aerospace applications or space agencies such as ESA or NASA.
Academic focus
The academic focus of this study line is design, development and testing of scientific instrumentation and support systems. These include both space, airborne and ground -based instruments and systems.
Possible specialization
Within the study line 'Space Systems Engineering' it is possible through the choice of specialization courses to further specialize primarily in one of the following areas:
- Instrumentation
- Data processing
- Physical and mathematical modelling.
Requirements for the study line
If you - in addition to the general requirements for the education - meet the following more strict requirements for the selection of courses, the title of the study line 'Space Systems Engineering' will be on the diploma in addition to the title of the general programme: 'Earth and Space Physics and Engineering'.
To obtain the MSc degree in Earth and Space Physics and Engineering with the study line in 'Space Systems Engineering', you must fulfil the following requirements:
- Have passed the Polytechnic Foundation courses (5 ECTS) and the Programme-specific Innovation and Core Competence courses adding up to 25 ECTS
- Have passed programme-specific courses in 2 categories adding up to 30 ECTS:
- Programme-specific courses in Measurement Technology adding up to at least 25 ECTS
- Programme-specific courses in Physical Large Scale Structures and Processes adding up to at least 5 ECTS
- Elective Courses from a specific list adding up to at least 10 ECTS
- Have performed a Master's Thesis of either 30, 32½ or 35 ECTS ECTS within the field of the program.
Courses
The study line have all the same requirements as the general curriculum regarding the Polytechnic Foundation and Programme-specific Core competences, including ”Innovation course II”. Each study line only varies from the general curriculum by the specific lists of programme-specific courses and Recommended Elective Courses.
Programme-specific courses in Measurement Technology
To meet the requirements for the programme-specific courses in Measurement Technology for the study line 'Space Systems Engineering', students must take the following two courses, which are mandatory to the study line:
| 30300 | Introduction to Satellite Systems | 10 | point | Autumn E5 (Wed 8-17) |
| 30310 | Space Systems Engineering | 5 | point | Spring F5A (Wed 8-12) |
In addition, students must choose courses corresponding to at least 10 ECTS from the following list:
| 30320 | Spacecraft Instrumentation Systems | 10 | point | Spring F2 (Mon 13-17, Thurs 8-12) |
| 30330 | Image Analysis with Microcomputer | 10 | point | Autumn E1A (Mon 8-12) and Autumn E1B (Thurs 13-17), Autumn E2A (Mon 13-17) |
| 30340 | Radar and Radiometer Systems | 10 | point | Spring F3 (Tues 8-12, Fri 13-17) |
| 30350 | Remote Sensing | 10 | point | Autumn E4 (Tues 13-17, Fri 8-12) |
Programme-specific courses in Physical Large Scale Structures and Processes
To meet the requirements for the programme-specific courses in Physical Large Scale Structures and Processes for the study line 'Space Systems Engineering', students must achieve least 5 ECTS from one of the following courses:
| 30720 | Space Physics - Physics of the space environment | 5 | point | Autumn E2A (Mon 13-17) |
| 30745 | Earth and Planetary Magnetism | 5 | point | Spring F3A (Tues 8-12) |
| 30752 | Cryosphere physics and observation | 5 | point | Autumn E5B (Wed 13-17) |
| 30790 | Observational X-ray Astrophysics | 5 | point | Autumn E3B (Fri 13-17) |
TS courses beyond 30 ECTS will count as elective courses.
Recommended Elective Courses
Any course classified as MSc course in DTU's course base may be taken for credit as an elective course. This includes programme-specific courses in excess of the minimal requirements. Master students may choose as much as 10 credit points among the bachelor courses at DTU and courses at an equivalent level from other higher institutions.
We recommend that you use some of your ECTS points for elective courses on either more of the above-mentioned programme-specific courses, but to meet the requirements for the study line 'Space Systems Engineering' you are required to take courses adding up to at least 10 ECTS from the list below:
| 30545 | Analysis of spatial and temporal data within geoscience | 5 | point | January |
| 30552 | Satellite Geodesy | 5 | point | Autumn E2A (Mon 13-17) |
| 30554 | Global Navigation Satellite Systems | 5 | point | Spring F2B (Thurs 8-12) |
| 30755 | Climate change - physics and observations | 5 | point | Autumn E2A (Mon 13-17) |
You may be able to find other relevant elective online courses in the EuroTeQ Partner Universities' course catalogue
Topic of 30220 Synthesis Project and Master's Thesis
The topic for both course 30220 Synthesis in Earth and Space Physics and the Master's Thesis must be within the study line's focus area.