Between September 1995 and August 1997 I undertook a part time Master of Science (MSc) degree in Satellite Communications Engineering at the University of Surrey. As part of requirement for this degree, I was required to carry out an individual project constituting approximately one-third of the overall MSc course programme.
I have long had an interest in low-cost access to space, as typified by the University of Surrey's own small satellite programme. I also have an interest in astronomy, and in particular in the exploration of the smaller bodies of our solar system. Accordingly I decided to carry out a design study of a low-cost spaceprobe that could carry out a flyby mission to a near-Earth asteroid. In recognition of the fact that such bodies are often identified shortly before closest approach, and to add an additional element of technical challenge, I sought to arrive at a mission profile that could be carried out at relatively short notice.
The project was undertaken at evenings and weekends (plus a couple of weeks of leave from work) between October 1996 and August 1997. The resulting dissertation is presented here in HTML format, in as close a form as I have been able to manage to the original written report. Where possible, I have added hyperlinks to relevant resources on the Web.
My project dissertation was accepted and awarded a mark of 93%, subsequent to which I was awarded an MSc with distinction.
Copyright © 1998 Simon Bradshaw
Most recent revision January 3rd, 2006