Master’s in Ground Segment & TT&C Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in ground segment and TT&C engineering: 12 modules covering ground segment architecture, ground stations, CCSDS telemetry and telecommand, tracking, mission control systems, operations, spectrum regulation, optical links, data processing, cybersecurity 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
Understand the architecture of the ground segment.
Design ground stations.
Apply CCSDS telemetry and telecommand standards.
Carry out tracking and ranging.
Operate mission control centres.
Manage frequencies and regulation.
Validate the ground segment.
Who it's for
- Ground segment engineers seeking an end-to-end view of TT&C.
- Satellite operations engineers who want to understand the systems behind the console.
- RF engineers moving into ground stations and space links.
- Control software engineers working on mission control systems.
- Space cybersecurity specialists focused on ground infrastructure.
- Data processing engineers handling mission data chains.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the space sector.
What you'll work with
- CCSDS 132.0-B-3 (TM Space Data Link Protocol)
- CCSDS 232.0-B-4 (TC Space Data Link Protocol)
- CCSDS 133.0-B-2 (Space Packet Protocol)
- CCSDS 355.0-B-2 (Space Data Link Security)
- ECSS-E-ST-70C (ground systems and operations)
- ECSS-E-ST-70-41C (packet utilisation standard)
- ITU Radio Regulations (international spectrum rules)
- SCOS-2000
- Yamcs
- GNU Radio
- STK
- OpenC3 COSMOS
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Components of a mission's ground segment1.2Tracking and control stations1.3Mission and flight control centre1.4Payload processing centre1.5Terrestrial communication networks1.6Interfaces with the space segment1.7Ground segment as a service model1.8Virtualisation and cloud deployment1.9Availability and redundancy requirements1.10Case study: ground architecture for an Earth observation mission
2.1Parabolic antennas and tracking mounts2.2Monopulse tracking systems2.3RF front end and LNA2.4High-power amplifiers2.5Up- and down-converters2.6Telemetry modems and receivers2.7G/T figure of merit and EIRP2.8Station maintenance and calibration2.9Commercial global station networks2.10Lab: S-band link budget
3.1CCSDS protocol architecture3.2Space Packet Protocol3.3TM data link protocol3.4TC protocol and COP-13.5Channel coding and synchronisation3.6SDLS link security3.7Packet Utilisation Standard (PUS)3.8Mission database3.9Telecommand validation3.10Practical exercise: decoding CCSDS telemetry frames
4.1Ranging with tones and codes4.2Two-way Doppler measurements4.3Delta-DOR differential interferometry4.4Optical and SLR laser tracking4.5Orbit determination with station data4.6Station delay calibration4.7ESTRACK and DSN deep-space networks4.8Tropospheric and ionospheric corrections4.9Accuracy of radiometric measurements4.10Case study: ranging campaign during LEOP
5.1SCOS-2000 and Yamcs control software5.2Telemetry parameter monitoring5.3Alarm and limit management5.4Operations procedure languages5.5Pass automation5.6Command planning5.7Telemetry archiving5.8Control human-machine interfaces5.9Operational satellite simulators5.10Lab: automated procedure in Yamcs
6.1Launch and LEOP phase6.2Platform and payload commissioning6.3Routine operations and planning6.4Execution of orbital manoeuvres6.5Real-time anomaly management6.6Operator training and certification6.7Shifts and control centre organisation6.8End-of-life operations6.9Lessons learned from operations6.10Practical exercise: sequence of events for a LEOP phase
7.1S, X and Ka bands for operations7.2ITU coordination process7.3National ground station licences7.4Interference management7.5Protection of radio astronomy7.6Notification and recording of assignments7.7Spectral efficiency in downlinks7.8SFCG recommendations7.9New bands for high capacity7.10Case study: frequency coordination file
8.1Fundamentals of optical links8.2Optical ground stations8.3Atmospheric turbulence and scintillation8.4Site diversity against cloud cover8.5The European EDRS system8.6Adaptive optics in ground stations8.7CCSDS protocols for optical links8.8Quantum key distribution8.9Integration with terrestrial networks8.10Lab: optical downlink budget
9.1Mission data processing chain9.2Product levels L0 to L29.3Long-term archiving9.4Distribution to users and portals9.5Product quality control9.6Cloud processing and scalability9.7Standard data formats9.8Latency and near-real-time services9.9User and licence management9.10Practical exercise: design of an L0 to L1 processing chain
10.1Threats to stations and control centres10.2Telecommand encryption and authentication10.3Segmentation of operational networks10.4Monitoring and intrusion detection10.5Cybersecurity incident management10.6Applicable ECSS and NIST standards10.7Audits and penetration testing10.8Supply chain security10.9Resilience and continuity of operations10.10Workshop: threat model of a control centre
11.1Compatibility tests with the satellite11.2Satellite simulators for validation11.3Ground segment system tests11.4Operations tests and end-to-end tests11.5Station acceptance tests11.6Operational readiness reviews11.7Validation documentation11.8Ground segment configuration management11.9Lessons from mission validation11.10Case study: end-to-end test plan
12.1Mission definition and requirements12.2Ground segment architecture12.3Station selection and sizing12.4Telemetry and telecommand design12.5Mission control system12.6Operations plan12.7Cybersecurity analysis12.8Verification and validation plan12.9Master's Thesis: written report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
100% online training 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. The working software is SCOS-2000, Yamcs, GNU Radio, STK and OpenC3 COSMOS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for station-satellite compatibility tests, simulated LEOP operations and CCSDS telemetry decoding. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: CCSDS 132.0-B-3, CCSDS 232.0-B-4, CCSDS 133.0-B-2, CCSDS 355.0-B-2, ECSS-E-ST-70C, ECSS-E-ST-70-41C, ITU Radio Regulations.
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
- A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- 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 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with SCOS-2000, Yamcs, GNU Radio, STK and OpenC3 COSMOS, 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 Master's Thesis. 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 in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the programme 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.
Related programmes
Master’s in HAPS & Stratospheric Platforms Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in HAPS and stratospheric platform engineering, structured in 12 modules covering the stratospheric environment, HAPS types, low-Reynolds aerodynamics, solar energy…
Master’s in Satellite AIT Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in satellite AIT engineering. 12 modules covering verification, clean rooms, mechanical, electrical and software integration, mechanical, thermal and EMC testing,…
Master’s in Certifiable eVTOL Architectures Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in certifiable eVTOL architecture engineering, with 12 modules covering the SC-VTOL certification basis, ARP4754A systems development, safety assessment, distributed propulsion,…
More in Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
All Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships