SS4051 Military Space Systems and Architectures II

This course covers the system level architectural design of selected Space Systems. Emphasis is on a balanced design of all seven components of space systems: space segment, launch segment, ground segment, mission operations, C3 architecture, subject, and orbit and constellation. Additionally, this course introduces alternate perceptions of space systems operations using native-language research translations of open-source material (when available), and unclassified documentation. For resident students, further study of classified sources and material allows greater depth of understanding. Classification: TOP SECRET clearance with access to SCI for resident.

Prerequisite

SS3001, SS3041, SS3400 or SS3500

Lecture Hours

3

Lab Hours

2

Security Clearance Required

  • Top Secret SCI

Course Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of SS4051 students will have the following knowledge and skills/abilities:

  1. Knowledge.
    1. Students shall describe the concepts behind critical thinking and can apply them to solve problems.
    2. Students, as questioning, informed, thoughtful agents of positive change, establish connections between relevant space systems capabilities across the spectrum of competitor, commercial, civil, DoD and National Overhead Systems (formerly NTM).
  2. Skills/Abilities.
    1. Students shall practice risk assessment framing activities to confirm their understanding of space-based military problems.
    2. Students evaluate architecture requirements to address space-based military problems.
    3. Students analyze systems-level competitor space architectures as a form of Analysis of Alternative designs.
    4. Students shall analyze the segments of a space system (control, user, space, link) for threats and vulnerabilities for both friendly and enemy forces.
    5. Students shall analyze threat systems for vulnerabilities and determine potential attack methods, intelligence requirements, and likelihood of success.