Small Spacecraft Development Project-Based Learning: Implementation and Assessment of an Academic Program

by Jeremy Straub, Ronald Arthur Marsh, David J. Whalen

This book provides the information that is required to start a small spacecraft program for educational purposes. This will include a discussion of multiple approaches to program formation and build / buy / hybrid decision considerations. The book also discusses how a CubeSat (or other small spacecraft program) can be integrated into course and/or program curriculum and the ancillary benefits that such a program can provide.  The assessment of small spacecraft programs and participatory project-based learning programs is also discussed extensively.  The book presents prior work related to program assessment (both for a single program and internationally) and discusses how similar techniques can be utilized for both formative and summative assessment of a new program.  The utility of these metrics (and past assessment of other programs) in gaining buy-in for program formation and funding is also considered.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2016