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.
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
Describe the architecture and function of a satellite's subsystems.
Define interfaces through interface control documents.
Integrate platform and payload hardware in sequence.
Validate flight software on FlatSat and HIL benches.
Carry out functional and end-to-end tests.
Close requirements verification matrices.
Plan the complete integration of a satellite.
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.
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
6 modules
1.1Platform and payload1.2Electrical power subsystem (EPS)1.3Attitude and orbit control (AOCS)1.4On-board data handling (OBDH) and flight software1.5Telemetry, tracking and command communications (TT&C)1.6Passive and active thermal control1.7Structure and mechanisms1.8Chemical and electric propulsion1.9Mass, power and link budgets1.10Case study: architecture of a 6U CubeSat
2.1Interface control documents (ICD)2.2Mechanical and thermal interfaces2.3Electrical interfaces and connectors2.4Data buses: CAN, SpaceWire and MIL-STD-15532.5CCSDS and PUS protocols2.6Power distribution and protection2.7Grounding and EMC compatibility2.8Software–hardware interfaces2.9Interface change management2.10Workshop: writing an electrical ICD
3.1Integration of the electrical platform3.2Mounting reaction wheels and sensors3.3Integration of solar panels and batteries3.4Integration of transponders and antennas3.5Payload integration3.6Polarity checks of sensors and actuators3.7Electrical interface tests3.8Harness integration3.9Non-conformance logging3.10Practical exercise: AOCS integration sequence
4.1FlatSat test benches4.2Hardware-in-the-loop simulation4.3Flight software integration4.4Operating modes and FDIR4.5Telecommands and telemetry4.6End-to-end tests4.7Validation of operating procedures4.8Software version management4.9Regression testing4.10Lab: FlatSat with simulated telemetry
5.1Requirements verification matrix5.2System functional tests5.3Radio-frequency compatibility tests5.4Autonomy and safe-mode tests5.5Analysis of integration anomalies5.6Qualification and acceptance review5.7Data package documentation5.8Lessons-learned log5.9Model-based systems engineering5.10Case study: closing the verification matrix
6.1Definition of the satellite architecture6.2Interface tree and ICDs6.3Proposed integration sequence6.4Functional test plan6.5Software and FlatSat strategy6.6Final verification matrix6.7Flight software integration plan6.8Interface risk management6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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