After participating in the module, students will be able to: - Explain the formation of the solar system and its current configuration - Identify the specifics of individual destinations in the solar system - Qualitatively explain relationships between planetary histories and conditions - Evaluate the potential for scientific exploration missions of the solar system - Develop mission architectures for above destinations - Formulate technology requirements for above missions

This lecture provides an introduction to the subject of space exploration and covers the following topics: - Introduction and history of space exploration. - Formation of the solar system - Sun(s) - Inner Solar System; Rocky Planets - Planets in the outer solar system; Gas Giants, Ice Giants - Moons - Small Solar System Objects - Trajectories and travel through the solar system - Exploration mission design - Instruments for scientific exploration - Space systems - Future topics and interstellar travel

Fundamentals of Spaceflight Orbit and Flight Mechanics

Lecture and Tutorial

The module examination consists of a written exam (90 min), in which the students shall recall the theoretical and practical contents of the course without any aids. Answering the questions requires own formulations and calculations (e.g. on the design of a mission architecture for the exploration of a planet), as well as selecting multiple choice responses. For calculations, a pocket calculator may be permitted. Additionally, during the semester multiple voluntary short tests (5min) in the form of a voluntary midterm-courseworks (pass/fail) will be offered. Passing a minimum of 70% of the voluntary tests, the individual student will be granted a 0,3 grade bonus on their module examination grade. These tests will be in form of multiple-choice questions covering selected topics of the previous lecture or homework/self-study material. A degradation of the grade is not possible.