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CourseAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space Applications open

Ground segment course in satellites

Online course of 300 hours in the satellite ground segment: 6 modules covering ground segment architecture, ground stations, mission control systems, data services and cross support, and operations and validation, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration3 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe the elements and architecture of a ground segment.

02

Size ground stations for different missions.

03

Configure mission monitoring and control systems.

04

Apply cross-support and data transfer services.

05

Integrate cybersecurity criteria into ground infrastructure.

06

Plan ground segment validation and operations.

07

Design a complete ground segment for a mission.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Ground segment engineers.
  • Satellite operations engineers.
  • Ground station engineers.
  • Mission control software engineers.
  • Network and cybersecurity engineers working on space infrastructure.
  • Control centre managers.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to join satellite operators.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ECSS-E-ST-70C (ground systems and operations)
  • ECSS-E-ST-70-41C (packet utilisation standard (PUS))
  • CCSDS 910.4-B (Cross Support Reference Model, SLE) (space link extension services)
  • CCSDS 727.0-B (CFDP) (file delivery protocol)
  • ECSS-E-ST-70-31C (monitoring and control data definition)
  • ECSS-E-ST-70-01C (on-board control procedures)
  • ITU Radio Regulations (international spectrum regulation)
  • OpenC3 COSMOS
  • Yamcs
  • SCOS-2000
  • GNU Radio
  • Orekit
Syllabus

6 modules

  1. 1.1Elements of the ground segment
  2. 1.2Ground stations and networks
  3. 1.3Mission control centre
  4. 1.4Payload data processing centre
  5. 1.5Ground-based flight dynamics
  6. 1.6Terrestrial communication networks
  7. 1.7Ground-station-as-a-service models
  8. 1.8Ground segment life cycle
  9. 1.9Interfaces with users and customers
  10. 1.10Workshop: block diagram of a ground segment
  1. 2.1Parabolic antennas and mounts
  2. 2.2Tracking of LEO satellites
  3. 2.3RF chain and LNA
  4. 2.4Modems and receivers
  5. 2.5Station monitoring and control
  6. 2.6Global station networks
  7. 2.7Interference and licensing
  8. 2.8Low-cost stations for CubeSats
  9. 2.9Time synchronisation across the station network
  10. 2.10Practical exercise: sizing an X-band station
  1. 3.1Monitoring and control software
  2. 3.2Telemetry processing
  3. 3.3Telecommand generation
  4. 3.4Operations procedures
  5. 3.5Mission database
  6. 3.6Pass automation
  7. 3.7Data archiving
  8. 3.8SCOS-2000 and EGS-CC software
  9. 3.9Configuration management of the database
  10. 3.10Lab: configuring a control system with OpenC3 COSMOS
  1. 4.1SLE services
  2. 4.2CFDP file transfer
  3. 4.3Inter-agency interoperability
  4. 4.4Distribution of payload products
  5. 4.5Network security and cybersecurity
  6. 4.6Virtualisation and cloud in the ground segment
  7. 4.7Software-defined radio
  8. 4.8Data storage and processing
  9. 4.9Open architectures and software standards
  10. 4.10Case study: integration of a commercial station network
  1. 5.1Mission planning
  2. 5.2LEOP operations
  3. 5.3System validation tests
  4. 5.4Satellite compatibility tests
  5. 5.5Training simulators
  6. 5.6Anomaly management
  7. 5.7Availability indicators
  8. 5.8Maintenance and obsolescence
  9. 5.9Operational cybersecurity of the control centre
  10. 5.10Case study: ground segment validation plan
  1. 6.1Operational requirements
  2. 6.2Proposed architecture
  3. 6.3Station sizing
  4. 6.4Mission control system
  5. 6.5Interfaces and protocols
  6. 6.6Cybersecurity
  7. 6.7Validation plan
  8. 6.8Costs and operating model
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, making it compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OpenC3 COSMOS, Yamcs, SCOS-2000, GNU Radio and Orekit, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: design of an X-band ground station for a LEO satellite, configuration of a mission control system and compatibility validation between satellite and ground segment. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final project.

Standards covered: ECSS-E-ST-70C, ECSS-E-ST-70-41C, CCSDS 910.4-B (Cross Support Reference Model, SLE), CCSDS 727.0-B (CFDP), ECSS-E-ST-70-31C, ECSS-E-ST-70-01C, ITU Radio Regulations.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ECSS-E-ST-70C, ECSS-E-ST-70-41C and CCSDS 910.4-B (SLE) applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:OpenC3 COSMOS, Yamcs, SCOS-2000, GNU Radio and Orekit, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:a complete ground segment for a mission, from station sizing to validation plan and operating model, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Ground segment architecture
Draw the block diagram and interfaces of the ground segment.
Station sizing
Size an X-band ground station for a LEO satellite.
Mission control setup
Configure a monitoring and control system with OpenC3 COSMOS.
Validation plan
Plan compatibility and system validation tests.
Final project
Deliver a complete ground segment design with costs and operating model, reviewed by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Ground segment engineerOperations engineerGround station engineerMission control software engineerNetwork and cybersecurity engineerControl centre manager
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with OpenC3 COSMOS, Yamcs, SCOS-2000, GNU Radio and Orekit, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

No prior qualification is required; you need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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