Summer 2025 program dates: June 2 – July 11
Goals of the program:
• Prepare graduate students for careers in space sciences and engineering
• Strengthen ties between space sciences and engineering, so that students become more equipped in each other’s areas of expertise (trajectory/vehicle design, astronomy, planetary science, etc.)
• Learn practical skills behind mission design (technical and administrative), beyond what is covered in the classroom
Key topic areas:
• Formulating mission concepts based on scientific goals and objectives
• Traceability matrices for mission and science designs
• Matching instruments to mission science goals
• Mission point designs
• Technical readiness levels (TRL) and how to advance them
Content & Timeline:
5 Preparatory Weeks (Remote) – Weekly lectures (1 hour) + preparatory mission design work work and mentoring by Cornell Astronomy and Engineering faculty
1 Culmination Week (In Person) – Total 40 hours of active work ; mentoring + presentation and review
Daily activities:
• Morning classes: experts provide the basis for mission design and development
• Afternoon practicum: work in small groups to formulate and advance mission designs
• Special guest lectures from outside experts
• Early evening opportunities to exchange ideas, freewheel solutions to problems, etc.
The school will culminate in final group presentations on the different mission designs.
An example syllabus from the Summer 2022 program can be found here.
The primary costs for participants in the program are your own travel to, and incidentals for, Design Week. This is the last week of the program each year. For SMDS 2025 there are no participation fees. Accommodation is provided in campus halls for non-Cornell students. Typically, accommodation includes shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Bedrooms are shared between two, though upgrading to individual bedrooms can be provided for a fee. Cornell students who do not have regular housing throughout the summer can request access to this accommodation as well.