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Detlef Koschny and Dominique Moser

How can we prevent satellites from colliding? How can satellites be protected from meteorite impacts? How important are satellites in today’s age? How safe are astronauts on the ISS and why does their research help mankind in general? What happens with space debris distributed in orbit?

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How can we prevent satellites from colliding? How can satellites be protected from meteorite impacts? How important are satellites in today’s age? How safe are astronauts on the ISS and why does their research help mankind in general? What happens with space debris distributed in orbit?

In the online course “Space Safety”, the astronaut Dr Thomas Reiter, experts from the European Space Agency (ESA) and other research institutions address the subject matter, presenting possible future scenarios for space applications.

The individual course units cover an array of topics, such as space weather, space debris, collision avoidance, cyber security and space medicine.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction by Thomas Reiter
Welcome to our course on Space Safety. The introduction by former astronaut Thomas Reiter will provide the kick-off to your studies. Enjoy the course!
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Introduction Space Safety
Space safety addresses the protection of human infrastructure in space and on the ground from hazards originating in space. This lecture describes the three domains of space safety as a general introduction to the lecture series. It explains the origin and impact of space weather events and the fundamentals of planetary protection. It then concentrates on the third domain – man-made space debris. Ever since the start of the space age on 4 October 1957, more space debris has accumulated in orbit than operational satellites. Space debris poses a problem for the near-Earth environment on a global scale. As all space-faring nations have contributed to the situation, all these countries will need to share the responsibility for its resolution. The lecture will touch on the main subjects of space: space debris environment, space debris mitigation, legal aspects, measurement methods, re-entry to Earth, protection and necessary steps to remedy the current situation.
Space Weather
This lecture’s objective is to provide students with a basic knowledge of the concept of space weather, how it is produced by our Sun, its most critical characteristics and how it can impact our infrastructure. The lecture gives an introduction to solar and heliospheric physics and presents eruptive events in the Sun producing the most severe space weather conditions. Interaction of the solar electromagnetic radiation and solar wind with the earth’s magnetosphere and atmosphere is described to provide a basic understanding of why space weather, for example, changes the radiation environment in space, impacts radio signal propagation in satellite navigation and produces the beautiful aurora. The final part of the lecture explains how we monitor space environment and space weather and how the data collected by space weather instruments is used to provide space weather services for the protection of our infrastructure.
Space Debris
Decades of launching spacecraft and upper stages have created an environment which requires understanding and counter measures. Space ebris is generated by break-ups, collisions, solid rocket motor firings, reactor coolant releases, paint flakes and ejecta. Models to describe the environment are calibrated with measurements from power radar stations, optical telescopes and in-situ data. Space surveillance means provide a catalogue of orbital elements and other information of objects in space. These catalogues facilitate collision avoidance, re-entry predictions, detecting fragmentation events, supporting operations and verification of compliance with regulations. Space debris mitigation is intended to reduce the increase in space debris in order to ensure space sustainability and minimise risk for humans, the Earth’s environment and assets associated with re-entry of space systems.
Collision Avoidance
This lecture describes the techniques for avoiding collisions between active spacecraft and other objects orbiting the Earth. Knowledge of trajectories of objects involved in a potential collision (called a close approach or conjunction) is key. Since such parameters are never completely reliable, typically a collision cannot be predicted (or ruled out) with certainty. Instead, collision probabilities are used as basis for decisions on avoidance actions. The first part of the lecture is thus dedicated to key aspects of conjunction geometry and the mathematical approach to obtain collision probability. The second part deals with avoidance strategies and presents an introduction to the actual operational process for collision avoidance, showing typical activities, schedules and tools as well as some examples and statistics on collision avoidance operations at ESA’s spacecraft control centre ESOC. An outlook on future challenges and approaches completes the presentation.
Planetary Defense and Asteroid Impacts
This lecture’s objective is to provide students with a basic knowledge of the concept of how to deal with potential asteroid impacts.
SSA Centre
This lecture is about the German SSA Centre (GSSAC), looking at nearly the first 10 years of the civilian-military GSSAC from 2011 up until today and presenting its set-up as a civilian-military centre. The various interests in space are outlined by sketching out the civilian and the military perspectives on the use of space. After the introduction, the national sensors available to GSSAC are discussed in general, showing in particular the accessible radar systems as one of the best in the world. These sensors form one part the foundation on which the GSSAC performs its mission to provide high quality services in the field of SSA to national and international users. The range of services covers all parts of SSA, including space weather and near-Earth objects. The strong involvement of the GSSAC at an international level – with Germany being often one of the first partners, if not the very first, to cooperate with – underlines the international appreciation of the GSSAC’s work done at national level.
Cyber Security
Cyber security deals with all aspects of security in information and communication technology (ICT), such as all technologies connected to the internet and comparable networks, and includes communication, applications, processes and processed information based on ICT. Public security is one of the responsibilities of governments, i.e. safeguarding their citizens and other persons in their territory, organisations and institutions against threats to their general welfare and to their communities’ prosperity. The first part of this online course deals with cybersecurity governance in Europe and provides an overview of the main institutions dealing with cybersecurity, such as the EU Directorate-General Connect, the agencies ENISA and BSI and their tasks. The second part contains examples of European cybersecurity legislation and the underlying process, detailing the cybersecurity directive on network and information security (NIS directive), the regulation on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions (eIDAS), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and their implementation. The third part gives an overview of relevant ICT sectors and players, including the topics venture capital and acquisitions in the cybersecurity business. Current discussions on digital sovereignty and examples such as the 5G technology round up this course, concluding with an outlook on the Digital Europe Programme.
Space Medicine
In this course module, you receive an adequate overview of the medical space research from experts at LMU University Hospital of Munich. Professor Choukér together with his colleagues Professor zu Eulenburg, Dr Wöhrle and Dr Moser present how research in space is connected with research results on Earth, how stress and immune system research helps astronauts and patients here on Earth and also what a space flight would do to our brain. They explain examplewise how the analyzing of astronauts’ blood samples helps patients in intensive care units and point out how studies performed in space can be transferred to humans on Earth. Also the effect on human bodies when staying in space for a longer time period plays an important role in this course section, especially the transformation of cells when being exposed to the absence of gravitiy.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches necessary steps to remedy the current situation of space debris
Covers unique topics not often found in introductory level courses
Taught by experts from the European Space Agency (ESA) and other research institutions
Explores topics highly relevant to the global community
Requires students to come in with extensive background knowledge first
Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are useful for personal growth and development

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Space Safety with these activities:
Refresher on Newtonian Mechanics
Review the basics of Newtonian Mechanics to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on Newtonian Mechanics
Show steps
  • Review your lecture notes and textbooks from previous courses.
  • Solve practice problems related to kinematics, dynamics, and energy.
  • Complete online tutorials or simulations on Newtonian Mechanics.
Explore NASA's Space Flight Simulator
Gain hands-on experience with spacecraft operations through NASA's interactive simulator.
Show steps
  • Visit the NASA Space Flight Simulator website.
  • Choose a mission scenario and follow the instructions.
  • Control the spacecraft and navigate through different challenges.
Join a Study Group
Collaborate with fellow students to enhance your understanding through discussions and problem-solving.
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with students in this course.
  • Set regular meeting times and choose topics to discuss.
  • Share notes, work through practice problems, and quiz each other.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'Introduction to Spacecraft Mechanics'
Gain a deeper understanding of spacecraft mechanics by reading this reference text.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course topics.
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Solve Spacecraft Trajectory Problems
Enhance your problem-solving skills in spacecraft trajectory analysis.
Browse courses on Orbital Mechanics
Show steps
  • Find online resources or textbooks with practice problems.
  • Set a timer and try to solve the problems within the given time.
  • Check your answers and identify areas where you need improvement.
Develop a Spacecraft Simulation Model
Apply your knowledge by creating a simulation model to analyze spacecraft behavior.
Show steps
  • Choose a programming language or software tool for simulation.
  • Design the model architecture and define the input parameters.
  • Implement the model and run simulations to test different scenarios.
  • Analyze the simulation results and draw conclusions.
Design a Mission to Mars
Integrate your knowledge to design a comprehensive mission plan for Mars exploration.
Browse courses on Mars Exploration
Show steps
  • Define the mission objectives and constraints.
  • Design the spacecraft, including propulsion, power, and communication systems.
  • Plan the trajectory, including launch window, orbital insertion, and landing site.
  • Develop a science payload and experiment plan.
  • Consider the human factors and crew operations.
Create a Course Summary Document
Reinforce your learning by creating a comprehensive summary of key concepts and materials.
Show steps
  • Review your notes, lecture slides, and other course resources.
  • Organize and summarize the main ideas of each topic.
  • Create diagrams, charts, or graphs to illustrate important concepts.
  • Include practice questions or exercises to test your understanding.

Career center

Learners who complete Space Safety will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Satellite Engineer
Satellite Engineers design, develop, and maintain satellites. This course would be particularly useful for satellite engineers interested in learning about the hazards that satellites face. Additionally, the course's focus on collision avoidance and space debris would be helpful for satellite engineers.
Spacecraft Operator
Spacecraft Operators operate and maintain spacecraft. This course would be particularly useful for spacecraft operators interested in learning about the hazards that spacecraft face. Additionally, the course's focus on collision avoidance and space debris would be helpful for spacecraft operators.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers research, design, and manufacture aircraft and spacecraft. This course covers topics such as collision avoidance and space debris, which are essential to the work of aerospace engineers. An understanding of these topics can help an aerospace engineer design and build safer spacecraft. Additionally, the focus on protection and necessary steps to remedy the current situation will be helpful for engineers.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers research, design, and develop mechanical systems. This course would be particularly useful for mechanical engineers interested in designing and developing systems for use in space. Additionally, the course's focus on collision avoidance and space debris would be helpful for mechanical engineers.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment, including its physical, chemical, and biological components. This course would be particularly useful for environmental scientists interested in the effects of space debris on the environment. Additionally, the course's focus on space weather and its effects on the environment would be helpful for environmental scientists.
Geophysicist
Geophysicists study the physical properties and processes of the Earth's interior and exterior. This course would be particularly useful for geophysicists interested in the effects of space weather on the Earth's atmosphere and climate. Additionally, the course's focus on space debris and its effects on the Earth's magnetic field would be helpful for geophysicists.
Space Policy Analyst
Space Policy Analysts develop and implement policies related to space. This course would be particularly useful for space policy analysts interested in learning about the hazards that space assets face. Additionally, the course's focus on cyber security and space weather would be helpful for space policy analysts.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers research, design, and operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. This course would be particularly useful for nuclear engineers interested in the effects of space weather on nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. Additionally, the course's focus on space debris and its effects on nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities would be helpful for nuclear engineers.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain complex systems. This course would be particularly useful for systems engineers interested in learning about the hazards that complex systems face. Additionally, the course's focus on cyber security and space weather would be helpful for systems engineers.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain computer software. This course would be particularly useful for software engineers interested in developing software for use in space. Additionally, the course's focus on cyber security and its effects on software would be helpful for software engineers.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists study the properties of materials and develop new materials. This course would be particularly useful for materials scientists interested in developing new materials for use in space. Additionally, the course's focus on space weather and its effects on materials would be helpful for materials scientists.
Planetary Scientist
Planetary Scientists study the physical and chemical properties of planets and other celestial bodies in our solar system. This course would be particularly useful for planetary scientists interested in the effects of space weather on planets and other celestial bodies. Additionally, the course's focus on space debris and its effects on planets and other celestial bodies would be helpful for planetary scientists.
University Professor
University Professors teach and conduct research at universities. This course would be particularly useful for university professors interested in teaching or conducting research on space safety. Additionally, the course's focus on a range of topics related to space safety would be helpful for university professors.
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicists study the physical properties and behavior of celestial bodies, such as stars, planets, and galaxies. This course would be particularly useful for astrophysicists interested in the effects of space weather on celestial bodies. Additionally, the course's focus on space debris and collision avoidance would be helpful for astrophysicists interested in the long-term effects of space debris on celestial bodies.
Astronaut
An Astronaut is someone who travels into space. While an astronaut may not initially seem related to the course Space Safety, understanding the hazards astronauts face while in space can inform those who design their safety systems and protocols. Those designing such systems may find this course's focus on collision avoidance and space weather particularly useful.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Space Safety.
Focuses on the problem of space debris, discussing its sources, effects, and potential solutions. It valuable resource for those interested in learning more about this critical issue.
Classic textbook on astrodynamics, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of orbital mechanics. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Textbook on spacecraft attitude determination and control. It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of spacecraft attitude determination and control, and it valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Textbook on spacecraft structures and materials. It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of spacecraft structures and materials, and it valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Textbook on spacecraft dynamics and control. It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of spacecraft dynamics and control, and it valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Textbook on spacecraft mission design. It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of spacecraft mission design, and it valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Textbook on spacecraft telecommunications systems. It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of spacecraft telecommunications systems, and it valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to astrodynamics, covering topics such as orbital mechanics, spacecraft propulsion, and attitude control. It valuable resource for those interested in learning more about the fundamentals of spaceflight.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to orbital mechanics, making it a good choice for those new to the subject. It covers topics such as Kepler's laws, orbital maneuvers, and spacecraft attitude control.

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