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Dr. Chuck Layne
This course provides a view of the history of spaceflight, from early writings telling of human's fascination of space through the early Russian and American space stations. Developed as an interesting and entertaining slice of space history that is accessible to anyone with an interest in human spaceflight
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/rkbsx8/a
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
A welcome video and course syllabus
Unit 1 - Apollo 11 Moon Landing
Learn about the Apollo 11 moon landing with interesting interviews with the astronauts who made history
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
A welcome video and course syllabus
Unit 1 - Apollo 11 Moon Landing
Learn about the Apollo 11 moon landing with interesting interviews with the astronauts who made history
Read more
Unit 2 - Humankind’s Musings on Space Travel
Learn about how previous generations thought about the possibility of space travel
Unit 3 - Early Rocketry
Learn about how rockets were developed from the ancient Chinese through today's powerful rockets
Unit 4 - Early Soviet Space Program
Learn about steps the Soviet Union took to launch the first man in space
Unit 5 - Mercury Program
Learn about the United State's first efforts to put a human in space
Unit 6 - Gemini Program
Learn about how NASA refined their human space flight program in preparation for a moon landing
Unit 7 - Apollo Program
Learn about the last technical innovations required to land a human on the moon
Unit 8 - Early Space Stations
Learn about how the early steps taken to send humans in space for extended missions
Unit 9 - Soviet - US Collaboration in Space
Learn how the Soviet Union and US began to learn to collaborate in space
Unit 10 - Soviet and Russian Mir Space Station
Learn about activities on the Russian Mir space station and the extensive activities with the Americans
Unit 11 - Spaceflight Disasters
Learn about the various disasters that occur during the period of human spaceflight
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Engagingly teaches the history of spaceflight from the perspective of astronauts who lived it
Presents a comprehensive and immersive experience of spaceflight history
Builds a foundation for understanding advancements in space exploration
Examines the evolution of rocketry from ancient times to modern technology
Offers insightful perspectives on the Soviet-American collaboration in space
Requires background knowledge or interest in space history to fully appreciate
Save this course
Save A Brief History of Human Spaceflight to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Engaging course on human spaceflight history
Learners say this course features engaging lessons that delve into the history of human spaceflight missions. Students especially enjoyed the lectures and have requested a continuation of the course covering robotic spacecraft missions. Part 2 of this course has been announced and will reportedly include spaceflight catastrophes.
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 A Brief History of Human Spaceflight with these
activities:
Create a collection of resources on spaceflight history
Show steps
Creating a collection of resources will provide you with easy access to a variety of materials on spaceflight history.
Show steps
-
Search for online resources on spaceflight history.
-
Evaluate the resources and select the most relevant and informative ones.
-
Create a document or folder to store the resources.
-
Organize the resources by topic or category.
Join a study group to discuss course concepts
Show steps
Joining a study group will provide you with opportunities to discuss course concepts with peers, ask questions, and get feedback.
Browse courses on
Collaborative Learning
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group with other students in this course.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course material.
-
Work together on practice problems and projects.
Follow guided tutorials on rocket propulsion
Show steps
Following these tutorials will help you understand the principles of rocket propulsion and how it is used in spaceflight.
Show steps
-
Find reputable online tutorials on rocket propulsion.
-
Follow the tutorials and take notes.
-
Experiment with different rocket propulsion simulations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice solving orbital mechanics problems
Show steps
Solving orbital mechanics problems will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Orbital Mechanics
Show steps
-
Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
-
Solve the problems using the principles you learn in this course.
-
Check your answers and learn from your mistakes.
Create a timeline of major events in spaceflight history
Show steps
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the major milestones in spaceflight history and understand the progression of events.
Show steps
-
Research major events in spaceflight history.
-
Select key events to include in your timeline.
-
Create a visual representation of your timeline using a tool like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
-
Share your timeline with others.
Participate in a space-themed hackathon
Show steps
Participating in a hackathon will challenge you to apply your skills and knowledge to solve real-world space-related problems.
Show steps
-
Find a space-themed hackathon to participate in.
-
Form a team and develop a project idea.
-
Work on your project during the hackathon.
-
Present your project to a panel of judges.
Contribute to an open-source space exploration project
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source project will allow you to gain practical experience and collaborate with others in the space exploration community.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Find an open-source space exploration project to contribute to.
-
Create a pull request with your changes.
-
Collaborate with other contributors to improve the project.
Create a collection of resources on spaceflight history
Show steps
Creating a collection of resources will provide you with easy access to a variety of materials on spaceflight history.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for online resources on spaceflight history.
- Evaluate the resources and select the most relevant and informative ones.
- Create a document or folder to store the resources.
- Organize the resources by topic or category.
Join a study group to discuss course concepts
Show steps
Joining a study group will provide you with opportunities to discuss course concepts with peers, ask questions, and get feedback.
Browse courses on
Collaborative Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with other students in this course.
- Meet regularly to discuss course material.
- Work together on practice problems and projects.
Follow guided tutorials on rocket propulsion
Show steps
Following these tutorials will help you understand the principles of rocket propulsion and how it is used in spaceflight.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find reputable online tutorials on rocket propulsion.
- Follow the tutorials and take notes.
- Experiment with different rocket propulsion simulations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice solving orbital mechanics problems
Show steps
Solving orbital mechanics problems will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Orbital Mechanics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
- Solve the problems using the principles you learn in this course.
- Check your answers and learn from your mistakes.
Create a timeline of major events in spaceflight history
Show steps
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the major milestones in spaceflight history and understand the progression of events.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research major events in spaceflight history.
- Select key events to include in your timeline.
- Create a visual representation of your timeline using a tool like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
- Share your timeline with others.
Participate in a space-themed hackathon
Show steps
Participating in a hackathon will challenge you to apply your skills and knowledge to solve real-world space-related problems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a space-themed hackathon to participate in.
- Form a team and develop a project idea.
- Work on your project during the hackathon.
- Present your project to a panel of judges.
Contribute to an open-source space exploration project
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source project will allow you to gain practical experience and collaborate with others in the space exploration community.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open-source space exploration project to contribute to.
- Create a pull request with your changes.
- Collaborate with other contributors to improve the project.
Career center
Learners who complete A Brief History of Human Spaceflight will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
As an Aerospace Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and building of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and rockets. Developing advanced lightweight structures, propulsion systems, and materials that can be applied to spacecraft requires an in-depth understanding of what has been done before and what has and has not worked in the development of rockets. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Rocket Scientist
Rocket Scientist
As a Rocket Scientist, you will be responsible for the design and development of rockets. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. Knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical, as is an understanding of the challenges that have been faced throughout the history of human spaceflight. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Spacecraft Operator
Spacecraft Operator
As a Spacecraft Operator, you will be responsible for monitoring and controlling satellites, spacecraft, and other space systems. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Spacecraft Designer
Spacecraft Designer
As a Spacecraft Designer, you will design spacecraft, satellites, and other space systems. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. Knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical, as is an understanding of the challenges that have been faced throughout the history of human spaceflight. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Astronaut
Astronaut
As an Astronaut, you will travel into space. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. A knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical, as is an understanding of the challenges that have been faced throughout the history of human spaceflight. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer
Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer
As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of spacecraft propulsion systems. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. Knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical, as is an understanding of the challenges that have been faced throughout the history of human spaceflight. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Spacecraft Systems Engineer
Spacecraft Systems Engineer
As a Spacecraft Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the development and integration of spacecraft systems. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. Knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical, as is an understanding of the challenges that have been faced throughout the history of human spaceflight. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Mission Specialist
Mission Specialist
As a Mission Specialist, you will be responsible for conducting experiments and maintaining the space station. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. A knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Spacecraft Test Engineer
Spacecraft Test Engineer
As a Spacecraft Test Engineer, you will be responsible for testing and evaluating spacecraft and their systems. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. Knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical, as is an understanding of the challenges that have been faced throughout the history of human spaceflight. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Spacecraft Power Systems Engineer
Spacecraft Power Systems Engineer
As a Spacecraft Power Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of spacecraft power systems. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. Knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical, as is an understanding of the challenges that have been faced throughout the history of human spaceflight. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer
As a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of spacecraft thermal systems. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. Knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical, as is an understanding of the challenges that have been faced throughout the history of human spaceflight. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Spacecraft Structures Engineer
Spacecraft Structures Engineer
As a Spacecraft Structures Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of spacecraft structures. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is essential. Knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical, as is an understanding of the challenges that have been faced throughout the history of human spaceflight. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Space Lawyer
Space Lawyer
As a Space Lawyer, you will be responsible for providing legal advice to space agencies, companies, and individuals. Knowledge of the progression of space legislation and treaties is critical for participating in the industry. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Satellite Communications Engineer
Satellite Communications Engineer
As a Satellite Communications Engineer, you will be responsible for the development and implementation of satellite communications systems. Beyond requiring a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is useful. Knowledge of the spacecraft used and their development is also critical, as is an understanding of the challenges that have been faced throughout the history of human spaceflight. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
Spacecraft Mechanic
Spacecraft Mechanic
As a Spacecraft Mechanic, you will maintain and repair spacecraft. While requiring more technical training in the repair, maintenance, and construction of spacecraft, an understanding of spaceflight history, including accomplishments of past space exploration missions, is useful. This course, A Brief History of Human Spaceflight, may be useful in providing this foundational knowledge.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rkbsx8/a
Reading list
We've selected eight 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
A Brief History of Human Spaceflight.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of spaceflight dynamics. It useful reference for anyone who wants to understand the technical details of how spacecraft are designed and operated.
This technical book provides a detailed overview of the Apollo guidance computer, which was one of the most important technological achievements of the space race. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the technical details of how the Apollo missions were accomplished.
Save
This classic work of narrative journalism tells the story of the early days of the American space program and the astronauts who risked their lives to make it a reality. It great way to get a sense of the human drama behind the technological achievements of spaceflight.
Save
Provides a detailed history of the Soviet space program, from its early beginnings to its eventual collapse. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the history of human spaceflight from a different perspective.
Provides a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of human spaceflight from a veteran astronaut. It great way to get a sense of the human side of space exploration.
Save
Explores the practical challenges of human spaceflight, from the mundane to the extraordinary. It great way to get a sense of the day-to-day realities of living and working in space.
Save
Provides a comprehensive history of liquid rocket propellants, from their early development to their use in modern spacecraft. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the technical aspects of spaceflight.
While fictional, this book provides an exciting and realistic depiction of the challenges of human spaceflight and survival on another planet. It can help students to understand the practical and psychological challenges of space exploration.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rkbsx8/a
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Effort
1-2 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Houston
Instructor
Dr. Chuck Layne
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
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Türkçe
Polski
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Good to know
Engagingly teaches the history of spaceflight from the perspective of astronauts who lived it
Presents a comprehensive and immersive experience of spaceflight history
Builds a foundation for understanding advancements in space exploration
Examines the evolution of rocketry from ancient times to modern technology
Offers insightful perspectives on the Soviet-American collaboration in space
Requires background knowledge or interest in space history to fully appreciate
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