TT&C (Telemetry and Control) Course
Online course of 300 hours in TT&C (telemetry, tracking and command): 6 modules covering TT&C subsystem architecture, modulation and coding, space data protocols, tracking and ranging, and link budget and 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 of a TT&C subsystem.
Select modulation and coding schemes.
Apply the CCSDS space data protocols.
Understand tracking and ranging techniques.
Calculate telemetry and telecommand link budgets.
Plan RF compatibility verification.
Design a TT&C subsystem for a specific mission.
Who it's for
- TT&C engineers.
- Space communications engineers.
- Ground segment engineers.
- Satellite operations engineers.
- RF engineers moving into space links.
- Ground software engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the space industry.
What you'll work with
- CCSDS 401.0-B (Radio Frequency and Modulation Systems) (RF and modulation for space links)
- ECSS-E-ST-50-05C (radio frequency and modulation)
- CCSDS 132.0-B (TM Space Data Link Protocol) (telemetry data link)
- CCSDS 232.0-B (TC Space Data Link Protocol) (telecommand data link)
- CCSDS 131.0-B (TM synchronisation and channel coding)
- CCSDS 231.0-B (TC synchronisation and channel coding)
- ECSS-E-ST-70-41C (packet utilisation standard (PUS))
- CCSDS 133.0-B (Space Packet Protocol) (space packet structure)
- Yamcs
- GNU Radio
- MATLAB Satellite Communications Toolbox
- Ansys STK
- OpenC3 COSMOS
6 modules
1.1Telemetry, telecommand and tracking functions1.2Transponders and receivers1.3S, X and Ka bands in TT&C1.4Omnidirectional and medium-gain antennas1.5Link operating modes1.6Interfaces with the on-board computer1.7Redundancy and switching1.8Tracking stations1.9Security key management in TC1.10Workshop: TT&C architecture of a LEO satellite
2.1PCM/PSK/PM and BPSK modulations2.2Subcarriers and residual carrier2.3GMSK and OQPSK modulations2.4Convolutional coding2.5Reed-Solomon codes2.6LDPC and turbo codes2.7Frame synchronisation2.8Randomisation2.9Coding gain and spectral efficiency2.10Practical exercise: BER calculation with different coding schemes
3.1CCSDS Space Packet3.2TM link protocol3.3TC link protocol and COP-13.4AOS protocol3.5PUS services3.6SDLS security3.7CFDP file transfer3.8Telemetry databases3.9Counter management and telecommand verification3.10Lab: decoding TM frames with Yamcs
4.1Tone ranging4.2Pseudo-noise ranging4.3Doppler measurement4.4Transponder coherence4.5Angular measurements4.6Delay calibration4.7Measurement accuracy4.8Use in orbit determination4.9Regenerative ranging4.10Case study: range determination with PN ranging
5.1Propagation losses5.2Antenna gain and G/T5.3Noise and system temperature5.4Link margin5.5Interference and coordination5.6RF compatibility testing5.7End-to-end testing5.8LEOP operations5.9Radio-frequency testing in an anechoic chamber5.10Case study: S-band link budget
6.1Mission requirements6.2Band and modulation selection6.3Protocol design6.4Equipment selection6.5Link budget6.6Ground station plan6.7Verification plan6.8Interface documentation6.9Report 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. 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 Yamcs, GNU Radio, MATLAB Satellite Communications Toolbox, Ansys STK and OpenC3 COSMOS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: link budget of an S-band TT&C system, decoding of CCSDS telemetry frames and simulation of a pseudo-noise ranging scheme. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final project.
Standards covered: CCSDS 401.0-B (Radio Frequency and Modulation Systems), ECSS-E-ST-50-05C, CCSDS 132.0-B (TM Space Data Link Protocol), CCSDS 232.0-B (TC Space Data Link Protocol), CCSDS 131.0-B, CCSDS 231.0-B, ECSS-E-ST-70-41C, CCSDS 133.0-B (Space Packet Protocol).
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 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.
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 Yamcs, GNU Radio, MATLAB Satellite Communications Toolbox, Ansys STK and OpenC3 COSMOS, 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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