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402-0398-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-PHYS , D-ERDW , D-MAVT

Cosmic Dust in the Solar System: From Science Case to Mission Design

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Veerle Jasmin Sterken
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:26

Abstract

This course provides students with a basic understanding of the science of cosmic dust in the solar system and how to measure it with space-based satellites and instrumentation. The lectures include the physical processes of both interplanetary and interstellar dust, trajectory simulations (i.e. orbital dynamics), in situ measurement techniques, and mission design aspects.

Objective

Cosmic dust is an important building block for planets and towards life. This course provides students with a basic understanding of the science of cosmic dust in the solar system, and how to measure it with space-based satellites and instrumentation. The lectures include the physical processes of both interplanetary and interstellar dust, trajectory simulations (i.e. orbital dynamics), in situ measurement techniques, and mission design aspects. At the end of the course, students are able to classify the different types of dust in the solar system, and to relate them to their sources, sinks, their importance for planetary science and astronomy, physical processes, and appropriate measurement techniques. They will be able to simulate dust trajectories and use them to gain insight in how orbital dynamics and the space environment shape them. Students can design a basic concept of a space mission for dust measurements. The skills taught in this course will be useful to students in a broader way for planetary sciences.

Content

1. Introduction, course outline, historical notes, interstellar and interplanetary dust, dust in the solar system, sources, sinks, importance for science 2. Dust instrumentation and observables: ground-based, space-based and sample return techniques, calibration of dust instruments in the lab 3. Dust dynamics: recap basic aspects of orbital dynamics, the SPICE toolkit, types of orbits 4. Dust dynamics: space environment, dust processes and implications (e.g. in the early solar system), dust charging, consequences for dynamics, comparison with spacecraft dynamics 5. Dust models and dust data analysis: types of models and their limitations, data analysis 6. Mission design aspects: orbits, mission design limitations, advantages, disadvantages, instrument accommodation, example missions

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides will be provided before each lecture.

Literature

Interplanetary dust (freely available online) https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-642-56428-4 Cosmic dust from the laboratory to the stars (ETH Library) https://link.springer.com/book/9789402420098

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Cosmic Dust in the Solar System: From Science Case to Mission Design
Starts in the second week of the semester. Every other week.
  • Tue 14:15-16:00 (GLC E 29.1)
14 h semesterly
exercise Cosmic Dust in the Solar System: From Science Case to Mission Design
Starts in the second week of the semester. Every other week.
  • Tue 16:15-17:00 (GLC E 29.1)
7 h semesterly

Offered In