Applied Systems Engineering for Space Missions

Engineer the Mission.

Master the System.

Deliver with Confidence.

Space missions succeed or fail based on disciplined systems engineering.

This course provides practical, NASA-style systems engineering training using the NASA Systems Engineering Handbook (SP-2016-6105 Rev. 2) as its core reference.

Designed for working engineers, technical leads, and professionals entering aerospace, the course emphasizes applied, real-world deliverables rather than traditional exams.

Participants learn to translate stakeholder needs into verifiable requirements; develop a mission-ready Concept of Operations (ConOps); conduct trade studies; manage interfaces and risk; and prepare for SRR/PDR/CDR life cycle reviews.

Throughout the course, students build industry-relevant artifacts that mirror those used in real mission reviews.

The course culminates in a compact mini-PDR package demonstrating end-to-end systems engineering discipline and providing a strong portfolio credential for mission-driven engineering teams.

Course Highlights: Systems Engineering Life cycle Overview (NASA framing; mission gates Stakeholder Needs and Requirements Development Concept of Operations (ConOps) Architecture Definition and Trade Studies Interface Definition and Integration Planning (ICDs) Risk Management (matrix, mitigations, ownership) Verification Planning and Review Readiness (SRR/PDR/CDR) Configuration Control and Change Management Mission Operations and Lessons Learned Course Learning Outcomes: Apply NASA life cycle principles from mission concept through operations Develop clear, testable system-level requirements and map verification methods Create a mission-aligned Concept of Operations (ConOps) Conduct structured trade studies and document design decisions Define subsystem interfaces and manage integration risk Build and maintain a risk register with mitigations and ownership Produce a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) Assemble a professional mini-PDR package suitable for industry use Course Typically Offered: Online in Fall and Spring quarters.

Prerequisites: Engineering or technical background recommended.

Ideal for early-career systems engineers, aerospace professionals, and engineers transitioning into mission-driven environments.

Curiosity and willingness to engage in structured technical documentation are essential.

Next Step: After completing this course, consider taking other courses in our Systems Engineering Professional Certificate program .

Contact: For more information about this course, please email unexengr@ucsd.edu .