The Business, Politics, Policy, & Players of Space Programs from Coursera

Welcome Course 3 - The Business, Politics, Policy, & Players of Space Programs. If you are here, you have successfully completed both Course 1 and 2 of this specialization. Course 3 has nine lessons spread out over 4 weeks with 31 Learning Objectives. In this course, we will discover who and what funds the exploration that we have enjoyed learning about in Course 1 and 2. We will also focus on a few specific applications of some of the concepts we have learned about so far with two companies, the Global Positioning System, and the an academic program that could be implemented at your institution of higher learning.

Week 1 - There are three lessons this week that will cover a range of topics that greatly influence where space exploration has been, is today, and will go. The Politics of Space, with Jack Waldorf and Abby Benson will provide a basic overview of how space missions are funded in the US government. Space Governance with Dr. Zach Donohew and Eric Alston, JD will present the case and justification for how we as species will need to govern what we do in space. The Business of Space with Dr. Dan Baker, will cover the basics of the space industry from the size to the value of doing business in space. These topics will build on many of the others we have covered in the other courses and in the lessons ahead.

Week 2 - This week's topic is Space Entrepreneurship and it is broken it into two parts. Both parts involve real-world space entrepreneurs. Part 1 is with Dr. James Stuart who has started many space companies and continues to work with other entrepreneurs as they push the boundary of what we do in space. Part 2 is with Scott Tibbitts, who has a very unique background and path to being a space entrepreneur but that did not stop him and his company from enabling NASA to explore Mars. These lessons will give you a new perspective on the impact entrepreneurs have in space exploration.

Week 3 and Week 4 are application lessons where we take a deep dive into a few of the many examples where space is used in our daily lives and how companies and academic programs are helping to bring access to space to everyone. The Global Positioning System (GPS), with Dr. Penny Axelrad, is so ingrained in our daily lives that we may not even realize we are using it. We will discuss how it came to be and how it will be used for years to come. David Ferguson and I will discuss SpaceX's Starship and Starlink programs and how one company is changing our vision for how we explore and use space. The Access to Space for All with Sierra Space, with Dr. Janet Kavandi, covers how one company, that many may not have heard of, has big plans for science and tourism in space. Dr. Kavandi also has some interesting space experience! The last lesson of this course covers an academic program at the University of Colorado Boulder call the Space Minor. Ashleigh Bailey and I discuss this unique program that allows students of all majors to minor in space. This program is a model of other institutions of higher education around the world.

So please consider enrolling and then let's hit the trail.

What's inside

Syllabus

The Politics of Space

Chris and Jack Waldorf (CUB) perform an overview of how political entities enable and define space exploration and space policy through an elaborate and highly contributed to budget process. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

Space Governance

Chris, Dr. Eric Alston (CUB), and Dr. Zack Donohew (CUB) explore the inevitable role Governance has played and will play in the exploration of space. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

The Business of Space

Chris and Dr. Dan Baker (LASP) discuss an overview of the societal role of space, government space exploration programs, and the future of space in academia and industry. [LASP = Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics]

Space Entrepreneurship: Part 1

Chris and Dr. James Stuart conduct an examination of entrepreneurship’s role in the development of the space industry and civilian engagement in space exploration and science.

Space Entrepreneurship: Part 2

Chris and Scott Tibbitts walk on the path of a space entrepreneur from their creation, to their idea, their fundraising, the formation of their company, and the impact their solution provides to the space industry.

The Global Positioning System

Chris and Dr. Penny Axelrad (CUB) provide an overview of the Global Positioning System (GPS) - what it is, how it works, and the many ways we rely on it. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

SpaceX’s Starship and Starlink

Chris and David Ferguson (SpaceX) discuss an overview of the two SpaceX programs Starship and Starlink and their impacts on our future in space.

Access to Space for All with Sierra Space

Chris and Dr. Janet Kavandi (Sierra Space) conduct an overview of Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser, Life Habitat, and Orbital Reef programs and how they are making space accessible and equitable to all while improving life on Earth.

The CU Space Minor

Chris and Ashleigh Bailey (CUB) explore the concept, components, and benefits of the Space Minor program offered to all students of the University of Colorado Boulder. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces students to the politics and governance of space exploration

Focuses on a few very specific applications of space technology, such as GPS

Taught by Chris Koehler, a leading expert on space policy

Examines the role of entrepreneurs in the space industry

Designed for beginners with little to no prior knowledge of space exploration

Covers a wide range of topics, from the history of space exploration to the latest developments in space technology

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 The Business, Politics, Policy, & Players of Space Programs with these activities:

Review course syllabus

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Reviewing the course syllabus will familiarize you with the course's structure, requirements, and expectations.

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Read the syllabus thoroughly.
Note important dates and deadlines.
Identify key topics and concepts.

Create a glossary of terms related to space exploration

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Creating a glossary of terms related to space exploration will help you familiarize yourself with the key concepts and terminology used in the field.

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Identify key terms related to space exploration from course materials and other sources.
Define each term clearly and concisely.
Organize the terms into categories or alphabetical order.

Watch videos on space exploration

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Watching videos on space exploration will provide you with visual examples of the concepts and applications discussed in the course.

Browse courses on Space Exploration

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Search for documentaries and educational videos on space exploration.
Take notes on key concepts and ideas.
Discuss the videos with classmates or colleagues.

Five other activities

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Solve practice problems on space mission planning

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Solving practice problems will help you apply the mathematical and scientific principles of space exploration to real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Orbital Mechanics

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve the problems using the concepts learned in the course.
Check your answers and identify areas for improvement.

Discuss space exploration with peers

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Discussing space exploration with peers will allow you to share and exchange ideas and enhance your understanding of the subject.

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Find a study group or online forum for space exploration enthusiasts.
Participate in discussions and share your thoughts on the course material.
Collaborate with others on projects or presentations.

Read 'Pale Blue Dot' by Carl Sagan

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Reading 'Pale Blue Dot' will provide you with a broader perspective on space exploration, its history, and its significance for humanity.

View Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Pale Blue Dot'.
Read the book thoroughly and take notes.
Discuss the book with others or write a book review.

Write a blog post on a recent space exploration mission

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Writing a blog post on a recent space exploration mission will help you synthesize your knowledge, improve your communication skills, and contribute to the dissemination of scientific information.

Browse courses on Space Exploration

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Choose a recent space exploration mission.
Research the mission and gather information from credible sources.
Write a draft of the blog post, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread and edit your blog post.
Publish your blog post on a platform of your choice.

Volunteer at a local space museum or planetarium

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Volunteering at a local space museum or planetarium will provide you with a unique opportunity to engage with the public and share your knowledge of space exploration.

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Inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Find a local space museum or planetarium.
Attend volunteer training and orientation.
Participate in volunteer activities as assigned.

Career center

Learners who complete The Business, Politics, Policy, & Players of Space Programs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Space Educator

A Space Educator teaches and communicates about space science and exploration to students and the general public. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the educational and outreach aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of education in inspiring future generations of space explorers and scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Educator

Space Scientist

A Space Scientist conducts research and experiments in space science, including the study of the Earth, the solar system, and the universe beyond. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the scientific and technological aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of science in driving the development of new space technologies and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Scientist

Space Engineer

A Space Engineer designs, develops, and tests space systems, including spacecraft, satellites, and launch vehicles. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the engineering and technical aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of engineering in driving the development of new space technologies and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Engineer

Space Entrepreneur

A Space Entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs a business in the space industry. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the business and financial aspects of the space industry, as well as the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving the development of new space technologies and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Entrepreneur

Space Policy Maker

A Space Policy Maker develops and implements policies and regulations governing space exploration and utilization. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the political and policy aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of government in shaping the future of space.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Policy Maker

Space Journalist

A Space Journalist reports on space science, exploration, and technology for news organizations and the general public. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the media and communications aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of journalism in informing the public about space.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Journalist

Space Policy Analyst

A Space Policy Analyst is responsible for analyzing policy and legislative issues related to space exploration and utilization, including commercial space ventures and international cooperation in space. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the political and policy landscape of space programs, as well as the role of entrepreneurship and private investment in the space industry. The course may also be helpful for developing skills in policy analysis and communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Policy Analyst

Space Lawyer

A Space Lawyer specializes in the legal and regulatory aspects of space activities, including the development and operation of space systems, space exploration, and the commercialization of space. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the legal and regulatory framework governing space activities, as well as the role of international law in space. The course may also be helpful for developing skills in legal research and analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Lawyer

Space Advocate

A Space Advocate promotes and supports space exploration and utilization for the benefit of humanity. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the advocacy and outreach aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of advocacy in shaping public policy and support for space.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Advocate

Space Consultant

A Space Consultant provides advice and expertise on space science, exploration, and technology to government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the consulting aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of consultants in supporting the development and implementation of space programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Consultant

Space Grant Manager

A Space Grant Manager administers and oversees funding for space science and exploration research and education programs. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the grant management aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of grants in supporting the development of new space technologies and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Grant Manager

Space Museum Curator

A Space Museum Curator develops and manages exhibits and programs on space science and exploration for museums and other public institutions. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the museum and exhibition aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of museums in educating the public about space.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Museum Curator

Space Librarian

A Space Librarian manages and provides access to information resources on space science and exploration. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the library and information science aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of libraries in supporting the development of new space technologies and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Librarian

Space Archivist

A Space Archivist manages and preserves historical documents and artifacts related to space science and exploration. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the archival aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of archives in preserving the history of space for future generations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Archivist

Space Historian

A Space Historian researches and writes about the history of space science and exploration. The course will provide a good foundation for understanding the historical aspects of space exploration, as well as the role of history in informing the future of space.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Historian