Near Earth Objects (NEOs)
Module MW1790
This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.
Basic Information
MW1790 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in summer semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Catalogue of non-physics elective courses
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 90 h | 30 h | 3 CP |
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
Basic theories, methods and tools: Detection, tracking, cataloging and characterization of near earth objects.
Methods and technologies: Mitigation of danger, findings, contact, diversion, destruction.
Tools for the simulation and analysis of time, cost and risk in NO project.
Engineering Data and Information sources: National and International Agencies like DLR, NASA, ESA; Institutions like Universities, Observatories ,Amateur Groups like NEAT.
The lecture will be held in English.
1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION (2 HOURS)
2 FROM OBSERVATIONS TO MEASUREMENTS (2 HOURS)
3 ORBIT DETERMINATION AND FIRST IMPACT WARNING (4 HOURS)
4 ASTEROID PHYSICAL PROPERTIES DETERMINATION (4 HOURS)
5 IMPACT EFFECTS AND CONSEQUENCES (2 HOURS)
6 MITIGATION AVOIDING AN IMPACT (4 HOURS)
7 WAR GAME: WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN IMMINENT IMPACT THREAT? (2 HOURS)
8 THE NEO DECISION PROCESS AS A SYSTEM (OF SYSTEMS) (2 HOURS)
9 SUMMARY (2 HOURS)
Methods and technologies: Mitigation of danger, findings, contact, diversion, destruction.
Tools for the simulation and analysis of time, cost and risk in NO project.
Engineering Data and Information sources: National and International Agencies like DLR, NASA, ESA; Institutions like Universities, Observatories ,Amateur Groups like NEAT.
The lecture will be held in English.
1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION (2 HOURS)
2 FROM OBSERVATIONS TO MEASUREMENTS (2 HOURS)
3 ORBIT DETERMINATION AND FIRST IMPACT WARNING (4 HOURS)
4 ASTEROID PHYSICAL PROPERTIES DETERMINATION (4 HOURS)
5 IMPACT EFFECTS AND CONSEQUENCES (2 HOURS)
6 MITIGATION AVOIDING AN IMPACT (4 HOURS)
7 WAR GAME: WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN IMMINENT IMPACT THREAT? (2 HOURS)
8 THE NEO DECISION PROCESS AS A SYSTEM (OF SYSTEMS) (2 HOURS)
9 SUMMARY (2 HOURS)
Learning Outcome
At the end of the module, the students will understand the physical properties of Near-Earth Objects and their threat potential for Earth. They will further have gained an understanding of the design processes behing NEO-deflection missions, as well as for the political and organizational boundary conditions for such an operation. They will also have gained insight into the technical means of NEO observation and deflection.
Preconditions
Basics of spacecraft technology and astrodynamics.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VO | 2 | Near Earth Objects (NEOs) |
Fri, 12:30–14:00, MW 2050 |
|
| UE | 1 | Near Earth Objects (NEOs) - Tutorial |
Fri, 14:15–15:30, MW 2050 |
Learning and Teaching Methods
The module contains lectures
Media
Script of presentation slides
Literature
None beyond the lecture slides.