The Conquest of Space: Space Exploration and Rocket Science from edX

Space exploration plays a major role in the history of humankind. The cultural, political and sociological repercussions are extraordinary, and the amount of resources dedicated to space exploration is enormous. This aerospace course is a first step for those interested in learning more about the history of the space and the impact of space exploration on our daily lives.

Each week we will focus on a major chapter in the history of space exploration accompanied by an introduction to the relevant technical topics to fully understand these historical developments. During the seven weeks of the course, we will follow the technical, political and cultural contexts that lead to the birth of the space age, uncover the evolution of space exploration from competition to cooperation in the Apollo and post-Apollo era and finally, analyze current trends in space exploration.

By successfully completing this course, you will acquire the critical tools to understand the key events and developments of the Space Age. You will learn to solve basic technical and engineering problems of space travel, rocket propulsion, space systems, and human space flight.

Course image: Rosetta at Comet (landscape) / Copyright: ESA/ATG medialab; Comet image: ESA/Rosetta/Navcam.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The history of space exploration and its cultural, political, and scientific impact
Fundamentals of aerospace engineering, including how to move in space and how rockets work

The key aspects of space systems and the space environment
Current trends and future projects in space exploration

The history of space exploration and its cultural, political, and scientific impact
Fundamentals of aerospace engineering, including how to move in space and how rockets work
The key aspects of space systems and the space environment
Current trends and future projects in space exploration

Syllabus

Week 1: The first dreamers and visionaries. Frau im Mond (1929)Towards space travel. When the story begins. Imagining space travel. Spaceflight literature. Promoting space travel. Pioneers and visionaries. The motion of celestial bodies.

Week 2: The first missiles. The vengeance weapon V-2 (1944)Times of Weimar Republic and the Third Reich. Principles of rocket operation. V-2. Rockets and the birth of the Cold War. Chemical rockets.

Week 3: The dawn of the Space Age. Sputnik (1957)Treaty of Rome and Sputnik. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. International Astronautical Federation. Rockets and Atmospheric exploration. IGY. The Space Environment. Sputnik and the birth of the space era.

Week 4: The Giant Leap. Apollo 11 (1969)The Giant Leap. First Man in Orbit. Moon Race. Apollo. Introduction to Space Systems I.

Week 5: Space Cooperation. Birth of ESA (1975)Post-Moon-race cooperation. Soyuz-Apollo programme. ESA example of cooperation. The International Space Station (ISS). Introduction to Space Systems II. Life in space. Accessing space.

Week 6: Using space for Humankind. The exploitation of spaceToday’s life needs space. Telecommunications. Earth Observation. GNSS. Space Situational Awareness. Space technologies back on the Earth.

Week 7: Looking ahead. Ambition (2015)What’s next? Human Exploration of the Solar System. Robotic Exploration of the Solar System. Scientific Exploration of the Universe. Space Tourism. Getting farther and beyond: electric propulsion.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Appropriate for all learners interested in the sociopolitical and scientific impacts of space exploration

Provides a basic introduction to the history of space exploration

Covers the technical aspects of space exploration, including the fundamentals of aerospace engineering and the space environment

Reviews summary

Rocket science and space exploration

Learners say this course is an engaging introduction to space exploration that covers history, engineering, mathematics, and physics. According to students, this course allows students to build upon their prior knowledge in engineering and mathematics or delve into these concepts for the first time. However, learners say prior mathematics knowledge, especially calculus, is helpful.

Prior knowledge in math and engineering is helpful.

"It was a nice one, and it's nice to see a European course about space exploration once in a while."

"It's a great course if you have prior knowledge and background in a bit of astronomy, mathematics and engineering, even though sometimes feels rushed."

Comprehensive and engaging course

"This is a nice course, and it covers engineering, mathematics, physics, history and future of space exploration as well."

"This course is really worth my time, and the instructors explain the contents really in detail."

Limited assessment attempts and some difficult exams.

"Some math and physics will help a lot in some technical topics."

"However, I would like the tests to have 2 attempts instead of 1 so everyone can learn from their mistakes and try again"

Career center

Learners who complete The Conquest of Space: Space Exploration and Rocket Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Astronaut

Astronauts are responsible for conducting scientific experiments, operating spacecraft, and performing spacewalks. This course provides a comprehensive overview of space exploration, including the history of space travel, the principles of rocket science, and the challenges of human spaceflight. By completing this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career as an astronaut.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers design, develop, test, and oversee the production of aircraft, rockets, satellites, and other spacecraft. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of aerospace engineering, including aerodynamics, propulsion, and spacecraft systems. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as an aerospace engineer.

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Rocket Scientist

Rocket scientists are responsible for the design, development, and testing of rockets and other spacecraft propulsion systems. This course provides a detailed overview of rocket science, including the principles of propulsion, the design of rocket engines, and the challenges of space travel. By completing this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career as a rocket scientist.

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Spacecraft Operator

Spacecraft operators are responsible for the operation and maintenance of spacecraft, including satellites, rockets, and space probes. This course provides a comprehensive overview of spacecraft systems, including the principles of spacecraft design, the operation of spacecraft subsystems, and the challenges of space travel. By completing this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career as a spacecraft operator.

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Space Mission Planner

Space mission planners are responsible for the planning and execution of space missions, including the design of mission trajectories, the selection of spacecraft systems, and the coordination of mission operations. This course provides a detailed overview of space mission planning, including the principles of orbital mechanics, the design of mission trajectories, and the challenges of space travel. By completing this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career as a space mission planner.

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Space Policy Analyst

Space policy analysts are responsible for the development and implementation of space policy, including the regulation of space activities, the promotion of space exploration, and the coordination of international space cooperation. This course provides a comprehensive overview of space policy, including the history of space law, the principles of space policy, and the challenges of space governance. By completing this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career as a space policy analyst.

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Systems Engineer

Systems engineers are responsible for the design, development, and integration of complex systems, including spacecraft, satellites, and other aerospace systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of systems engineering, including the systems engineering process, the design of system architectures, and the challenges of systems integration. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a systems engineer.

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Technical Writer

Technical writers are responsible for the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, including user manuals, training materials, and technical reports. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of technical writing, including the principles of clear and concise writing, the use of technical language, and the challenges of technical communication. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a technical writer.

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Science Writer

Science writers are responsible for the communication of scientific information to the public, including the writing of articles, books, and press releases. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of science writing, including the principles of clear and concise writing, the use of scientific language, and the challenges of science communication. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a science writer.

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Teacher

Teachers are responsible for the education of students, including the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of teaching, including the principles of lesson planning, classroom management, and the challenges of teaching STEM subjects. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a teacher.

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Journalist

Journalists are responsible for the gathering, writing, and reporting of news and information. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of journalism, including the principles of news writing, reporting, and the challenges of journalism. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a journalist.

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Lawyer

Lawyers are responsible for the representation of clients in legal matters, including the practice of space law. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of space law, including the principles of space treaties, the regulation of space activities, and the challenges of space governance. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a lawyer specializing in space law.

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Business Analyst

Business analysts are responsible for the analysis of business needs and the development of solutions to business problems. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of business analysis, including the principles of business process modeling, the analysis of business requirements, and the challenges of business analysis. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a business analyst.

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Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and control of projects. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of project management, including the principles of project planning, project scheduling, and the challenges of project management. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a project manager.

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Librarian

Librarians are responsible for the organization and management of library collections, including the collection of space-related materials. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of library science, including the principles of library organization, the management of library collections, and the challenges of librarianship. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a librarian specializing in space-related materials.

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