Space Technology & Planetary Exploration

:: Welcome to the University of Surrey, the home of small satellites ::

Whether it is for the study of climate change, provision of communications and navigation, or the understanding of our place in the universe, space technology is a rapidly developing area in the twenty-first century. Space exploration is undergoing a revolution as access to space becomes more readily available.

At the leading edge of this revolution is the Surrey Space Centre – an acknowledged world leader in the design, construction, launch and operation of small satellites. With 25 years’ experience and with access to over 20 satellites in orbit, UniS offers you a unique opportunity to obtain cutting-edge experience in space technologies.

Our Space Degree

The Space Technology and Planetary Exploration programmes adopt a systematic approach to introducing fundamentals of space systems and space mission design in conjunction with practical experience of their application to real-world space engineering problems. The degree aims to provide you with a rigorous professional education in space engineering principles and scientific methods for space exploration.

You will develop a strong theoretical (mathematical and scientific) background for mission planning and spacecraft design, alongside the skills for practical problem solving and system development. You will benefit from the state-of-the-art spacecraft engineering facility here at the University, and be provided with an insight into the business of space. This will include all the stages from mission planning to its successful completion.

You will have access to and operational knowledge of commercial software packages for mechanical, thermal electronic and RF design, mission planning and system modelling. UniS is uniquely placed to provide such a programme, as we are the only university anywhere in the world that has a sustained programme of building complete satellites, performing the mission planning, working with international launch agencies and providing in-orbit operations.

You will therefore have access to all aspects of the design and delivery of a space vehicle with payloads for a space mission. These degree programmes are supported by the European Space Agency, the UK Industrial Space Committee, and the major UK and European space companies, including the University’s own spin-off company, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL).

Degree Programme Overview

Our BEng programme aims to give you an understanding of the fundamentals of space systems and space mission design with practical experience of their application to real-world space engineering. The MEng programme, in addition, provides a deeper understanding of some of the specialist technical areas involved through the study of advanced Level M modules.

Both programmes will develop your understanding of the scientific investigation of space both for knowledge of our own planet and the Solar System in which we live. They will provide you with an understanding of the principles of scientific payloads and their application, and an appreciation of professional engineering practice across management, business, ethical responsibility and social contexts.

Level 1 and 2

During Level 1 and Level 2 you will be introduced to core material in electronics and software development alongside core mathematical skills and physics. The modules are common with our Electronic Engineering degree programmes apart from an additional module in Astrodynamics and Space Science at Level 1, and the modules in Exploring the Solar System and Introduction to Space Mission Design at Level 2. These specialist modules form the foundation to the project at Level 3.

Level 3

Level 3 builds on these foundations to introduce advanced topics dedicated to space technology. You will be introduced to more optional modules that will broaden your knowledge and offer a range of specialisms within the area of space technology and its application. You will also undertake a project as part of a group. This is exciting and challenging work, utilising all the skills and knowledge you have acquired to put together a proposed space mission and design a satellite to accomplish the mission.

Level M

Level M (MEng only) continues to develop advanced topics and deepen your knowledge. You will have an additional opportunity to work as part of a multidisciplinary team through the general Multidisciplinary Design Project.

Career Opportunities

The Space Technology and Planetary Exploration programme is designed to give you the specialist multidisciplinary knowledge and skills required for careers based on working with space technology and its applications. This programme will therefore make you very attractive to the relevant space related industries that employ over 6,500 people in the UK alone.

Our degrees provide a thorough understanding of the mathematical methods and scientific principles that underpin space engineering, creating a foundation for an exciting career, and on which a postgraduate programme can build. As the programme also involves the common core of electronic engineering modules, you will also be highly sought after by other sectors such as the telecommunications, computing and semiconductor industries.