Specialization
Space, launchers and satellites

The Space, Launchers and Satellites major at IPSA, a leading aeronautics and space school, trains engineers specializing in the design and optimization of space systems.

Thanks to a comprehensive program covering space mechanics, astrophysics and satellite and launcher engineering, students develop key skills in propulsion, thermics, trajectory calculations, modeling and simulation.

Through real-world projects, such as the design of tanks for micro-launchers and the optimization of hybrid rocket engines, students at our School of Aeronautics and Space develop cutting-edge expertise.

The key points

Language

English

Rhythm

full-time

Campus

Paris-Ivry and Toulouse

Duration

2 years

Diploma obtained

CTI-accredited engineering degree

Further studies

IPSA offers 70 double-degree programs in France and abroad, giving students the opportunity to acquire dual skills tailored to their career aspirations.

Job opportunities

Propulsion Systems Engineer
CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Energy Engineer
Aircraft Performance Calculations Engineer
Thermal Engineer

The person in charge of the specialization
Space, launchers and satellites

Campus Paris

Remi Bertossi

Director of Aero 4 and 5 studies – Lecturer and researcher, PhD in thermodynamics/energetics.

photo de BERTOSSI Remi, directeur des études aéro 4 et 5 à l'Ipsa, école aéronautique

image d'un satellite vu de l'espace au dessus de la Terre

More
program

01/6

The industry-oriented approach

An industry-oriented approach to meet the needs of the sector

IPSA has worked closely with aerospace manufacturers to adapt the courses in this major to the requirements of the sector, making Ipsalians engineers of excellence recognized by companies.

02/6

English courses

Courses in English for better international integration

Courses in the Space, Launchers and Satellites major are taught in English, to better grasp the international dimension of the sector.

03/6

Professional immersion

An internship for professionalization and entry into the world of work

To round off their studies, which are punctuated by numerous internships, ^5th year students at our School of Aeronautics and Space undertake a 6-month internship in a company or research laboratory, enabling them to enter the world of work. This internship usually leads to a permanent job offer.

04/6

Strategic and ethical issues

Modules focused on tomorrow’s major challenges

To meet the zero-carbon target for 2050 set by the European Union and the aeronautics industry, IPSA has integrated modules dedicated to new sustainable mobility and emerging societal issues into each of its majors.

05/6

New technologies

Focus on new space-based energy technologies

The Space, Launchers and Satellites major at our School of Aeronautics and Space explores innovative solutions for propulsion, storage and energy management in orbital systems and space missions, issues that are essential to the development of this cutting-edge sector.

06/6

Mastering tools

Mastery of digital tools and space mission design

By following the Space, Launchers and Satellites major, you will develop skills in modeling, simulation and numerical methods applied to space systems.

The industry-oriented approach

English courses

Professional immersion

Strategic and ethical issues

New technologies

Mastering tools

The skills targeted by our Space, Launchers and Satellites specialization

Design a launcher or satellite adapted to its mission

Guaranteeing the solidity and strength of a launcher

Planning satellite deployment

Market and competitor analysis

Test and validate technical solutions

Write manufacturing and deployment instructions

Course pace

Courses

Internship

Sept

Oct

Nov

Déc

Jan

Fév

Mar

Avr

Mai

Jui

Juil

Program
^4th year

Semester 1

Semester 2

Human Sciences and Languages –
7 ECTS

99h

Intensive French Language for Engineers (for international students)

34h

Cultural Integration Workshop (for international students)

12h

English Language (for French students)

60h

Environmental Humanities (for all students)

12h

Sulitest (for new students)

Personal Development (for French students)

Second Language: Bonus points

Engineering Sciences Core – 8 ECTS

79h

Automation: Linear & Continuous Systems Design

38h

Swarm Robotics Algorithms and Application

26h

Systems Engineering – Innovation

22h

Introduction to 3D Printing

13h

“Engineering Sciences – Specialization for Vehicles Specialization – 15 ECTS

20H

Numerical Techniques for Resolving PDEs

26h

Fluid-Structures Interactions

26h

Introduction to Mechanical Vibrations and Structural Dynamics

34h

Climatic Engineering

26h

Fluid Dynamics

51h

UE : Internship Aero4 – 6 ECTS

Industrial Evaluation

Coeff. 50%

Internship Report

Coeff. 50%

Focus on internships

^4th year

Status : Mandatory
Subject : Engineering assistant
Duration : 4 months – June to September

Course pace

Courses

Internship

Sept

Oct

Nov

Déc

Jan

Fév

Mar

Avr

Mai

Jui

Juil

Program
^5th year

Semester 1

Semester 2

Human Sciences and Languages Department –
2 ECTS

99h

Trends & Social Issues in French

12h

Human Factor & HMI – Risk Analysis and Safety

17h

Intensive TOEIC Training for French Students

20h

TOEIC Training for French Students

20h

French Language (FLE) – for International Students

30h

Personal Engagement

Professional Integration” Division 6 ECTS

79h

French Labor & Contract Law

15h

Knowledge & Integration in Industrial Environment

Life Cycle and Eco Conception

11h

Cyber Security Initiation

10h

Project Management Techniques

13h

Reliability: AMDEC Methodology in English

11h

Management Tools – Certification (Excel TOSA and VBA)

16h

Project – 5 ECTS

20H

IPSA Master Project

20h

“VEHICLES specialization – 7 ECTS

100h

Hypersonic Aerodynamics Introduction

26h

Vibration Dynamics of Plates and Shells

22h

Reliability & Fatigue of Structures

13h

Airborne and Ground Payload

21h

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

18h

Specialization “Space, Launchers and Satellites – 10 ECTS

149h

Space Propulsion Systems

26h

Electric and Nuclear Propulsion for Spacecraft

34h

Launchers and Satellites Design

44h

Prototyping Satellites

Spatial Telecommunications – ELSS

22h

Project: Spatial Telecommunications – ELSS

20h

Payload Integration and Launchers – ELSV

22h

Project: Conception of a Space Mission II – ELSV

20h

Professional Integration” section – Common core

31h

Industrial Evaluation

30h

Internship Report

Oral Presentation

Final year internship

Focus on internships

^5th year

Status : Mandatory
Subject : Engineering internship
Duration : 6 months – February to August

Astrometric reduction of data collected at the OHP with the appulse method, analysis of these data and deduction of the effectiveness of this new method

Development of a ModSim demonstrator – Simulation and analysis of its performances

Mechanical analyzes of the CubeSat of the CROCUS mission

Examples of
Student projects

– Architecture, design and pre-sizing of a micro-launch vehicle tank assembly
– Study of guidance reliability for orbital maneuvers
– Design and simulation methodology for optimizing fuel blocks for hybrid rocket engines

Our students testify

Léa BERMOND 4th year student in Space, Launchers and Satellites

My semester abroad at Beihang University in Beijing offered me a valuable cultural and academic immersion. I’m currently preparing an internship at the Belgian site of the European Space Agency (ESA).

Read her full testimonial