18307 Space Systems and Space Weather
Course Webpage: https://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/PHYS254/
Course Content
The course covers the design and operation of space instruments and space systems, as well as space weather - that is, the physical conditions and variations occurring on the Sun, in interplanetary space, and in the space environment of planets, along with the distinct technological and biological impacts of these variations. The course material is highly relevant to activities and research programs of the European Space Agency (ESA), as well as to the priorities and research initiatives supported by the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research. The course sections are: Selection, design, and implementation of space missions. Artificial satellites and spacecraft: platforms, detectors, orbits. Launch, propulsion, and power supply of satellites. Satellite attitude determination and control. Principles and instrumentation used for detecting particles in the space environment; processing of space‑based measurements; use of databases, models, and simulations. Satellite communications and satellite operations. Earth observation from space. Solar sources of space weather. Interplanetary space, interplanetary magnetic field, solar energetic particles. Sun-Earth coupling and its effects. Energetic particles in geospace. Technological and biological impacts of electromagnetic and particle radiation. Safety of space infrastructures and space situational awareness.
