Profile: Structures for Space
Structures for Space – if your intention is to work in the rapidly growing space sector as a structural engineer in the design, analysis and verification of spacecraft and launcher structures.
In this profile the student will learn the technologies, principles, methods and tools required to design, analyze and test the different types of space structures. Students will become familiar with spacecraft and launcher structures and will develop strategies necessary to transform the technical, economic and societal requirements into an integrated structural solution. Finally, the students will be able to use this methods and tools to solve practical structural problems for present and future space exploration.
Space structures, what is it about?
Profile courses
The profile courses for students of the space structures profile are listed below.
Name | Period | # EC |
|---|---|---|
Stability & Analysis of Structures I (more) | 2 | 3 |
Re-Entry Systems - shared with the Space flight track (more) | 2 | 3 |
Spacecraft Structures Development (more) | 3 | 3 |
Rocket Motion - shared with the Space flight track (more) | 3 | 3 |
| Materials for Space (more) | 4 | 3 |
Electives
The elective courses can be done throughout the academic year. The suggested electives to complement the core and profile courses are listed below. Students can choose other subjects as electives but the master track coordinator will determine if they are appropriate. Courses from other faculties have an asterisk (*).
Name | Period | # EC |
|---|---|---|
Space systems engineering (more) | 1-2 | 3 |
Experimental Techniques & NDT (more) | 2 | 3 |
Microsat Engineering (more) | 2 | 4 |
| Additive Manufacturing (more) | 2 | 3 |
Collaborative Space System Design Project (more) | 3 | 5 |
Equipment for Heat & Mass Transfer* (more) | 3 | 5 |
Stability & Analysis of Structures II (more) | 3 | 3 |
Non-Linear Modelling (more) | 3 | 3 |
Design & Analysis of Composite Structures I (more) | 3 | 5 |
Industrial Composite Manufacturing (more) | 3 | 3 |
Design & Analysis of Composite Structures II (more) | 4 | 3 |
Materials at High Temperature* (more) | 4 | 4 |
| Spacecraft Thermal Design (more) | 4 | 2 |
MSc Thesis Projects
Internship & MSc Thesis project
The internship is done outside TU Delft and focuses on professional development & awareness. The topic of the MSc thesis project and the preparatory Literature Study can be chosen from any theme within the Department of Aerospace Structures and Materials. Thesis topics under the Spaceflight Master staff are not possible unless there is an existing collaboration with a staff member of ASM. Alternatively, an industry based MSc thesis topic is also possible.
Exemption
According to the Dutch law, anyone wishing to pursue studies or conduct research in certain specialist fields related to delivery systems must apply for an exemption. Launching and payload structures as well as re-entry technology falls under this category, therefore students from the space structures profile may be required to ask for this exemption. Applications are usually granted within 3 weeks but the process may take up to 3 months.
More information about the exemption and the process can be found here.