ISAM course on satellites
Online course of 300 hours in ISAM on satellites, structured in 6 modules covering in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing, space robotics, modular design and interfaces, in-orbit manufacturing, verification and sustainability, and a final project, with an assigned technical tutor.
ISAM course on satellites — studying from New Zealand
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,280 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Questions from New Zealand
Will the programmes suit me if I work shifts or in remote locations?
The programmes are 100% online, and you can progress through the materials at times that fit your schedule. Start dates are set by the faculty for each intake, so plan ahead around your roster.
Can my employer help fund my study?
Many learners arrange company sponsorship, particularly where the programme relates to current or planned work. Instalment options are also available to spread the cost.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the concepts of in-space assembly, servicing and manufacturing.
Model free-floating robotic manipulators.
Design standard modular interfaces.
Assess manufacturing processes in microgravity.
Plan the verification of space robotic systems.
Analyse safety and sustainability aspects.
Develop the concept of an ISAM mission.
Who it's for
- Space robotics engineers.
- Mechanisms engineers.
- Modular systems engineers.
- Advanced manufacturing engineers exploring in-orbit production.
- Verification engineers.
- ISAM researchers.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the space industry.
What you'll work with
- ISO 24330 (rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) and on-orbit servicing (OOS): programmatic principles and practices)
- CONFERS principles and practices (recommended practices for on-orbit servicing and rendezvous)
- ECSS-E-ST-33-01C (mechanisms)
- ECSS-E-ST-32C (structural general requirements)
- International Docking System Standard (IDSS) (interface definition for spacecraft docking systems)
- ECSS-Q-ST-70C (materials, mechanical parts and processes)
- ISO 24113 (space debris mitigation requirements)
- ROS 2
- Gazebo
- MATLAB Robotics System Toolbox
- Basilisk
- Ansys Mechanical
6 modules
1.1Definition of ISAM1.2Assembly of large structures1.3Additive manufacturing in microgravity1.4Modular reconfiguration1.5Advantages over monolithic launch1.6Examples: the ISS and assembled telescopes1.7Agency roadmaps1.8Technology maturity1.9Large assembled antennas and telescopes1.10Workshop: comparison of ISAM architectures
2.1Robotic arms and degrees of freedom2.2Manipulator kinematics and dynamics2.3Impedance control2.4Floating base and dynamic coupling2.5End effectors and tool exchange2.6Teleoperation with time delay2.7Robotic autonomy2.8Canadarm and ERA systems2.9Robotic task planning2.10Practical exercise: kinematics of a free-floating manipulator
3.1Standard mechanical, electrical and data interfaces3.2Interchangeable modules3.3Connectors for robotic servicing3.4Fluid interfaces3.5Modular satellite architectures3.6Design for assembly3.7Tolerances and alignment3.8Interface testing3.9Servicing interface standards3.10Lab: design of a standard mechanical interface
4.1Additive processes in microgravity4.2Materials and feedstock4.3Manufacturing of long structures4.4Material recycling4.5In-orbit quality control4.6In situ resource utilisation4.7Experiments on the ISS4.8Thermal and power limitations4.9Sintering and joining in vacuum4.10Case study: assessment of in-orbit manufacturing of a beam
5.1Ground testing of robotics5.2Microgravity simulation5.3Mechanism qualification5.4Safety in assembly5.5Management of generated debris5.6Liability and licensing5.7Economic impact5.8Future challenges5.9Mechanism testing in a vacuum chamber5.10Case study: verification plan for a robotic assembly
6.1Mission definition6.2System architecture6.3Interface design6.4Robotic concept6.5Assembly plan6.6Structural analysis6.7Verification plan6.8Risk analysis6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so the programme can be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ROS 2, Gazebo, MATLAB Robotics System Toolbox, Basilisk and Ansys Mechanical, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: simulation of a free-floating robotic arm, design of a modular servicing interface and assessment of an in-orbit additive manufacturing concept. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Standards covered: ISO 24330, CONFERS principles and practices, ECSS-E-ST-33-01C, ECSS-E-ST-32C, International Docking System Standard (IDSS), ECSS-Q-ST-70C, ISO 24113.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running 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.
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 ROS 2, Gazebo, MATLAB Robotics System Toolbox, Basilisk, Ansys Mechanical, 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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