CourseAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space Applications open

Satellite subsystem integration course

Online course of 300 hours in satellite subsystem integration: 6 modules covering satellite architecture, subsystem interfaces, hardware integration, functional and software integration and system verification, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration3 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe the architecture and function of a satellite's subsystems.

02

Define interfaces through interface control documents.

03

Integrate platform and payload hardware in sequence.

04

Validate flight software on FlatSat and HIL benches.

05

Carry out functional and end-to-end tests.

06

Close requirements verification matrices.

07

Plan the complete integration of a satellite.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Space systems engineers moving into satellite subsystem integration.
  • Integration engineers working on spacecraft assembly.
  • Flight software engineers who need to understand integration and test.
  • AOCS engineers taking on system-level responsibilities.
  • Verification engineers in the space sector.
  • Electrical test technicians looking to work on satellite programmes.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the space industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ECSS-E-ST-10C (space systems engineering)
  • ECSS-E-ST-50-12C (SpaceWire)
  • ECSS-E-ST-70-41C (Packet Utilisation Standard, PUS)
  • ECSS-E-ST-20-07C (electromagnetic compatibility)
  • ECSS-E-ST-10-03C (testing)
  • CCSDS 133.0-B (Space Packet Protocol)
  • MIL-STD-1553B (serial data bus)
  • ECSS-E-ST-40C (space software)
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • IBM DOORS
  • Cameo Systems Modeler
  • Yamcs
  • GMAT
Syllabus

6 modules

  1. 1.1Platform and payload
  2. 1.2Electrical power subsystem (EPS)
  3. 1.3Attitude and orbit control (AOCS)
  4. 1.4On-board data handling (OBDH) and flight software
  5. 1.5Telemetry, tracking and command communications (TT&C)
  6. 1.6Passive and active thermal control
  7. 1.7Structure and mechanisms
  8. 1.8Chemical and electric propulsion
  9. 1.9Mass, power and link budgets
  10. 1.10Case study: architecture of a 6U CubeSat
  1. 2.1Interface control documents (ICD)
  2. 2.2Mechanical and thermal interfaces
  3. 2.3Electrical interfaces and connectors
  4. 2.4Data buses: CAN, SpaceWire and MIL-STD-1553
  5. 2.5CCSDS and PUS protocols
  6. 2.6Power distribution and protection
  7. 2.7Grounding and EMC compatibility
  8. 2.8Software–hardware interfaces
  9. 2.9Interface change management
  10. 2.10Workshop: writing an electrical ICD
  1. 3.1Integration of the electrical platform
  2. 3.2Mounting reaction wheels and sensors
  3. 3.3Integration of solar panels and batteries
  4. 3.4Integration of transponders and antennas
  5. 3.5Payload integration
  6. 3.6Polarity checks of sensors and actuators
  7. 3.7Electrical interface tests
  8. 3.8Harness integration
  9. 3.9Non-conformance logging
  10. 3.10Practical exercise: AOCS integration sequence
  1. 4.1FlatSat test benches
  2. 4.2Hardware-in-the-loop simulation
  3. 4.3Flight software integration
  4. 4.4Operating modes and FDIR
  5. 4.5Telecommands and telemetry
  6. 4.6End-to-end tests
  7. 4.7Validation of operating procedures
  8. 4.8Software version management
  9. 4.9Regression testing
  10. 4.10Lab: FlatSat with simulated telemetry
  1. 5.1Requirements verification matrix
  2. 5.2System functional tests
  3. 5.3Radio-frequency compatibility tests
  4. 5.4Autonomy and safe-mode tests
  5. 5.5Analysis of integration anomalies
  6. 5.6Qualification and acceptance review
  7. 5.7Data package documentation
  8. 5.8Lessons-learned log
  9. 5.9Model-based systems engineering
  10. 5.10Case study: closing the verification matrix
  1. 6.1Definition of the satellite architecture
  2. 6.2Interface tree and ICDs
  3. 6.3Proposed integration sequence
  4. 6.4Functional test plan
  5. 6.5Software and FlatSat strategy
  6. 6.6Final verification matrix
  7. 6.7Flight software integration plan
  8. 6.8Interface risk management
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Training is 100% online 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 each intake, so you can combine the programme with your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, IBM DOORS, Cameo Systems Modeler, Yamcs and GMAT, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures: FlatSat bench integration, definition of interfaces between subsystems and end-to-end tests with telemetry. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integration project.

Standards covered: ECSS-E-ST-10C, ECSS-E-ST-50-12C, ECSS-E-ST-70-41C, ECSS-E-ST-20-07C, ECSS-E-ST-10-03C, CCSDS 133.0-B, MIL-STD-1553B, ECSS-E-ST-40C.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ECSS-E-ST-10C, ECSS-E-ST-50-12C (SpaceWire) and ECSS-E-ST-70-41C (PUS) applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MATLAB/Simulink, IBM DOORS, Cameo Systems Modeler, Yamcs and GMAT, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:integration plan for a complete satellite, from architecture and ICDs to the final verification matrix, 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.

Define the satellite architecture
Set out the platform, payload and subsystem budgets for the mission.
Build the interface tree
Prepare the interface tree and the ICDs between subsystems.
Plan the integration sequence
Propose the hardware integration sequence and the functional test plan.
Set the software and FlatSat strategy
Define the flight software integration plan and FlatSat test approach.
Final project
Close the final verification matrix and present the report, reviewed by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Space systems engineerIntegration engineerFlight software engineerAOCS engineerVerification engineerElectrical test technician
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification is required.
  • An 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.

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 MATLAB/Simulink, IBM DOORS, Cameo Systems Modeler, Yamcs and GMAT, 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 a computer able to run the programme software, an internet connection 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.

Satellite subsystem integration courseEnrol
Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.