Diploma in Rendezvous and Proximity Operations
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in rendezvous and proximity operations: 8 modules covering relative orbital mechanics, rendezvous mission phases, manoeuvre planning, relative navigation sensors, proximity operations safety, non-cooperative targets and simulation and validation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Model the relative motion between two vehicles in orbit.
Design the phases of a rendezvous mission.
Plan manoeuvres with passive safety criteria.
Select relative navigation sensors according to range.
Analyse the safety of proximity operations.
Approach non-cooperative targets.
Validate strategies through simulation and testing.
Who it's for
- GNC engineers
- Flight dynamics analysts
- Mission systems engineers
- Relative navigation engineers
- Proximity operations engineers
- Mission safety engineers
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join space agencies
What you'll work with
- ISO 24113:2023 (space debris mitigation requirements)
- ECSS-E-ST-60-10C (control performance)
- ECSS-E-ST-60-30C (satellite attitude and orbit control system requirements)
- ECSS-E-ST-40C (space software engineering)
- CONFERS Recommended Design and Operational Practices (on-orbit servicing and rendezvous good practice)
- ECSS-Q-ST-40C (safety)
- ISO 14620-1 (space systems safety requirements)
- GMAT
- STK
- MATLAB/Simulink
- Basilisk
- Blender
8 modules
1.1Clohessy-Wiltshire-Hill equations1.2LVLH reference frame1.3Free relative trajectories1.4Elliptical orbits and the Tschauner-Hempel equations1.5Relative orbital elements1.6J2 effects on relative motion1.7Differential atmospheric drag1.8Numerical versus analytical propagation1.9Visualising trajectories in LVLH1.10Workshop: propagating relative trajectories in Python
2.1Launch and phasing phase2.2Homing manoeuvres and far-range approach2.3Hold points and close-range approach2.4Final approach along V-bar and R-bar2.5Docking versus berthing2.6Separation and departure2.7Examples: ATV, Dragon and Soyuz2.8Rendezvous with non-cooperative targets2.9Timeline and operating windows2.10Practical exercise: designing the approach profile to the ISS
3.1Two-impulse impulsive manoeuvres3.2Relative Lambert transfers3.3Radial and tangential hops3.4Mid-course correction manoeuvres3.5Propellant consumption optimisation3.6Illumination and communication constraints3.7Passively safe trajectories3.8Safety ellipses and e/i separation3.9Mission delta-v budget3.10Laboratory: optimisation of a phasing sequence
4.1Differential GNSS navigation4.2Rendezvous radar4.3Scanning and flash lidar4.4Visible and infrared cameras4.5Retroreflectors and cooperative markers4.6Pose estimation from images4.7Extended Kalman filters for navigation4.8Range-dependent sensor fusion4.9Measurement errors and biases4.10Practical exercise: navigation filter with lidar measurements
5.1Approach corridors and keep-out zones5.2Station safety spheres5.3Collision and risk analysis5.4Automatic collision avoidance manoeuvres5.5Fault detection and isolation5.6Fault tolerance and redundancy5.7ISS safety requirements5.8Aborts and escape trajectories5.9Flight rules and procedures5.10Case study: safety analysis of an approach
6.1Characterising the target from a distance6.2Estimating the rotational state6.3Inspection and close formation flying6.4Synchronisation with tumbling targets6.5Illumination and adverse optical conditions6.6Model-based navigation6.7Satellite inspection missions6.8Operations with space debris6.9Legal aspects of approaching third-party objects6.10Case study: inspection of an inactive satellite
7.1Six-degree-of-freedom simulators7.2Hardware-in-the-loop test benches7.3Robotic contact simulation facilities7.4Synthetic image generation7.5Monte Carlo campaigns7.6Validation of navigation algorithms7.7Flight software verification7.8In-flight tests and demonstrations7.9Lessons from ATV and Dragon7.10Laboratory: Monte Carlo campaign of a final approach
8.1Scenario and target definition8.2Mission and safety requirements8.3Approach trajectory design8.4Selection of navigation sensors8.5Passive safety analysis8.6Simulation and validation plan8.7Operations and flight rules8.8Propellant budget and risks8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. You work with GMAT, STK, MATLAB/Simulink, Basilisk and Blender in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: designing approaches to orbital stations, simulating relative navigation with optical sensors and safety analysis of proximity operations. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 24113:2023, ECSS-E-ST-60-10C, ECSS-E-ST-60-30C, ECSS-E-ST-40C, CONFERS Recommended Design and Operational Practices, ECSS-Q-ST-40C, ISO 14620-1.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with GMAT, STK, MATLAB/Simulink, Basilisk and Blender, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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