Keywords: HIL/SIL, Avionics and on-board systems, Aerospace control systems technology
Abstract: The EXTREMA THruster-In-the-Loop Experiment (ETHILE) is a facility designed for testing the effectiveness and robustness of spacecraft guidance algorithms through hardware actuation. Initially designed to simulate in an accelerated framework the actuation of interplanetary transfers with low-thrust, the system is highly configurable as it can simulate different thruster behaviours with a thruster balance equipped with a compressed air nozzle. An overview of the system and its performance is given, highlighting through a practical example its possible use for research and educational purposes.

Keywords: Laboratory equipment, Aerospace control systems technology, Innovative materials and new tools for teaching
Abstract: A two-degree-of-freedom Twin Rotor MIMO (Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output) System (TRMS) is an aerodynamic laboratory equipment at the School of Engineering, University of Leicester for control theory experimentation in the undergraduate (UG) curriculum, Open-Days (ODs), Offer-Holder-Days (OHDs) and research. It is crucial in demonstrating system modelling, simulation, real-time testing, open/closed loop control, and controller design (Proportional- Integral-Derivative, Linear Quadratic Regulator, Model Predictive Control). Feedback received indicates that TRMS experiments have successfully attracted many candidates at ODs/OHDs to the UG aerospace engineering degree programme while giving current students a sense of real-world applicability. Opportunities to further enrich the UG curriculum are explored.

Keywords: Automatic flight control, Innovative materials and new tools for teaching, Emerging technologies in learning
Abstract: At the University of Stuttgart, two testbeds have been developed to support the education of aerospace students in the field of Guidance, Navigation, and Control. The first teaching application is a virtual reality simulation that demonstrates the flight mechanics and effects of automatic flight control systems on the handling qualities of an ultralight helicopter. The second testbed is a fixed-wing model aircraft that serves as the test vehicle in a seminar, which teaches the complete process of controller development from theoretic control law synthesis to implementation, simulations and flight demonstrations. Both testbeds aim at making aerospace control theory more palpable.

Keywords: Laboratories, Flight dynamics, Aerospace data analysis
Abstract: Cranfield University recently commissioned a modified Saab 340B airliner as a new flying laboratory classroom. The modifications are briefly described before the use of the flying classroom for flight test teaching is described. A flight dynamic model of the aircraft has been developed, and that, along with the data from the flight test programme are extensively used to support masters-level teaching in flight dynamics, flight simulation and flight parameter identification. Some examples of student results are also briefly presented.

Keywords: Laboratory equipment, Innovative materials and new tools for teaching
Abstract: This paper describes the Sensor Cube, an open-source hardware and software system for hands-on learning of sensor data processing. Various sensors, such as camera, GNSS, and inertial sensors, are included to teach sensor data analysis and processing. The sensor system is designed to work with popular operating systems without special drivers, and the data format is human-readable. Therefore, all sensor data is easily accessible through Python or C++ code without the need to learn an additional framework. In addition, the hardware design, firmware, and code examples for working with the sensor data are available as open-source.

Keywords: Aerospace control systems technology, Project-based education, Laboratory equipment
Abstract: This manuscript reports on the educational outcomes of a joint initiative from the u3S Laboratory at the University of Bologna and the STAR Laboratory at Politecnico di Torino for a distributed attitude determination and control systems testing environment for CubeSats. The u3S laboratory is in charge of the dynamic testbed that hosts the nanosatellites mock-ups developed at the STAR laboratory. The verification campaigns are planned remotely between the students’ teams of the two laboratories and culminate with the test execution at the u3S lab premises. Such a collaborative approach is intended to provide the next generation of aerospace engineers with a valuable hands-on training experience in spacecraft attitude control.