Space Communication 7.5 credits

Second cycle, R7021R
Course syllabus valid: Spring 2019 Sp 3 - Present

Syllabus established
by Jonny Johansson, HUL SRT 14 Feb 2014

Last revised
by Jonny Johansson, HUL SRT 20 Nov 2018

Education level
Second cycle
Grade scale
G U 3 4 5
Space Engineering
Subject group (SCB)
Space Technology
Main field of study
Space Technology

Entry requirements

Functions of Several Variables and Computer Tools (M0032M), Circuit Theory (E0003E), Electronics (E0007E) or similar qualifications.

More information about English language requirements


The selection is based on 20-285 credits

Course Aim

The aim of the course is to extend and deepen the student’s knowledge of digital and analogue communication systems with an emphasis on space communications. On completion of the course the student shall have the skills and knowledge to be able to:

  1. Describe an overview of the forms of communication systems used for scientific satellites and spacecraft, communication satellites, broadcast satellites and for the Telemetry, Tracking and Control (TT&C) of spacecraft;
  2. Identify the technologies and requirements of the various parts of each of the above systems;
  3. Perform an analysis of a communication system or part of a communication system to determine items of the performance such as the signal to noise ratio, the bit error rate, the capacity, the link utilization and the link budget;
  4. Describe and make calculations and measurements on a number of techniques used to translate signals in the frequency domain, to perform modulation and de-modulation and to form a number of channels through a communication system;
  5. Describe the principles of multiple access to communication satellites and to capacity assignment;
  6. Describe a number of methods used for forward and for backward error correction;
  7. Cooperate with colleagues in undertaking practical projects and measurements and writing technical reports in English.

The course will cover:
  1. An overview of satellite and spacecraft communication systems;
  2. The conversions of signals and data into forms suitable for transmission over lines, optical fibres, waveguides and radio links;
  3. An introduction to information theory and capacity;
  4. Frequency translation, analogue and digital modulation, theory and systems;
  5. Noise, noise sources, noise figure, factor and temperature, system values and bit error rate;
  6. Antenna, arrays, polar diagrams, and gain; 
  7. Link budgets.


    The teaching on the course consists of lectures, demonstrations and practical exercises and technical report writing. The students are also required to write two papers on subjects that form part of the syllabus but are not included in lecturers.

    To pass the course the student must have had their practical work, technical reports and papers approved and in combination with the exam mark gained a grade 3 or above.

    Transition terms
    The course R7021R Space Communication can not be combined with the course E7002R Telecommunications Techniques in an exam.

    Jaap van de Beek

    Dennis Roddy: Satellite Communications, Fourth Edition
    McGraw-Hill Education
    ISBN: 9780071462983

    Course offered by
    Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering

    CodeDescriptionGrade scaleHPStatusFrom periodTitle
    0001Written examG U 3 4 54.50MandatoryA14
    0002Laboratory workU G#3.00MandatoryA14

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