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Space Exploration

The course provides an overview of European activities in the field of astronautical and robotic exploration. In the context of ESA's exploration strategy "Terrae Novae", scientific goals for the exploration of the Moon and Mars, technological challenges, potential commercial opportunities in the field of exploration, as well as physiological aspects of long-term astronautical missions in low Earth orbit and beyond will be considered.

The modules of the course cover the following topics:

• Introduction to Space Exploration

• European Exploration Strategy: TERRAE NOVAE

The modules of the course cover the following topics:

• Introduction to Space Exploration

• European Exploration Strategy: TERRAE NOVAE

• Earth-Moon Transportation Architectures

• ISRU – Enabling sustainable space exploration

• Earth`s Moon: the “planet next door”

• Current Status of Mars Missions and Research

• Commercialisation: ESA approach for stimulating the growth of an in-space economy

• Medical Aspects of Long-term Spaceflight

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Space Exploration

Exploring our solar system is about expanding the boundaries of our understanding and specifically finding the proof that life might have emerged on other planets. We are witnessing a decade in which humans will return to the surface of the Moon to prepare for a sustainable presence, with a strong and visible role for Europe. We might eventually find evidence of past or current life on our neighboring planet Mars. This course gives an insight into strategic, scientific and technological activities related to these two destinations.

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Introduces the European perspective on the exploration of our solar system, providing valuable insights into European space exploration strategy and activities

Provides an overview of the exploration of the Moon and Mars, encompassing the technical challenges and scientific goals associated with these missions

Examines the potential for commercial opportunities in space exploration, fostering a more robust and diverse space economy

Addresses physiological aspects of long-term astronautical missions in both LEO and beyond, exploring the challenges and impacts on human health

Covers a wide range of topics, from the principles of space exploration to commercialization strategies, addressing the various dimensions of this field

Taught by Dr. Thomas Reiter, a former astronaut with extensive experience in space exploration, providing a valuable insider perspective

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive overview of space exploration

According to students, this course provides a largely positive and comprehensive overview of current space exploration efforts, particularly focusing on European activities within ESA's Terrae Novae strategy. Learners appreciated the course's up-to-date content, which delves into topics from Earth-Moon transportation architectures and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) to commercialization opportunities and medical aspects of long-term spaceflight. While many found the breadth of topics highly valuable for a holistic understanding, some noted that the wide scope occasionally led to less in-depth coverage on highly specialized subjects, making it more suited for those seeking a broad perspective rather than deep technical dives.

Emphasizes European contributions and ESA's strategic involvement.

"I valued the unique perspective on European activities and ESA's role, which isn't always covered in other courses."

"The insights into ESA's approach to stimulating the in-space economy were particularly interesting."

"It's a great course if you want to understand Europe's specific contributions to the global space effort."

Content reflects current strategies, missions, and emerging trends.

"The discussions on ESA's Terrae Novae strategy and current Mars missions were highly relevant and fresh."

"I appreciated how current the information on commercialization and ISRU was, reflecting the latest developments."

"It's clear the instructors keep the material updated, providing insights into ongoing projects and future endeavors."

Provides a broad, interdisciplinary overview of modern space exploration.

"I found the range of topics covered in this course incredibly broad, from strategy to medical aspects, which gave me a holistic view."

"It was great to learn about all the different facets of space exploration, including the commercial side and resource utilization."

"This course offers a fantastic overview, connecting scientific goals with technological and even physiological challenges in space."

Best suited for those with a foundational interest, not absolute beginners.

"I recommend this course for anyone with a basic understanding of space, as it builds on that rather than starting from scratch."

"If you're a serious enthusiast or a professional wanting to broaden your perspective, this course is perfect."

"It's not an introductory course for someone with zero prior knowledge of space; it assumes some familiarity."

Offers breadth, but some topics could benefit from more in-depth coverage.

"While comprehensive, I sometimes wished for more technical detail on specific topics like propulsion systems or advanced ISRU techniques."

"For an expert, some modules might feel a bit high-level, though it's excellent for general understanding."

"I learned a lot, but for someone looking to specialize, it might serve more as an introduction than a deep dive."

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 Exploration with these activities:

Volunteer at a Space Exploration Center

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Gain practical experience and connect with experts in the field by volunteering at a space exploration center.

Browse courses on Space Exploration

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Find a local space exploration center or museum that accepts volunteers.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and apply.
Attend training sessions and learn about the center's exhibits and programs.
Volunteer regularly, assisting visitors and sharing your knowledge.

Form a Study Group with Classmates

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Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding, practice problem-solving, and prepare for assessments.

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Identify classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Establish regular meeting times and a communication platform.
Set clear goals for each study session and assign roles or responsibilities.
Review course materials together, discuss concepts, and work on practice problems jointly.

Review Basic Calculus

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Refresh your understanding of basic calculus concepts to strengthen your foundation for this course.

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Go over your notes from a previous calculus course.
Take practice problems from an online resource or textbook.
Watch video tutorials on key concepts.

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Read 'Rocket Propulsion Elements'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of rocket propulsion by reviewing this classic text.

View Rocket Propulsion Elements on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important passages.
Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Discuss the book's concepts with classmates or online forums.

Follow Tutorials on Orbital Mechanics

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Enhance your understanding of orbital mechanics through guided tutorials and simulations.

Browse courses on Orbital Mechanics

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Find reputable online tutorials or courses on orbital mechanics.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and running simulations.
Apply the concepts learned to solve practice problems.

Attend a Space Exploration Workshop

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Engage with experts and learn about the latest advancements in space exploration by attending a specialized workshop.

Browse courses on Space Exploration

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Research upcoming space exploration workshops and conferences.
Apply to attend the workshop and prepare for the event.
Attend the workshop, actively participate in discussions, and connect with other attendees.
Follow up after the workshop by reviewing notes, networking with contacts, and exploring new opportunities.

Design a Mission to Mars

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Apply your knowledge by designing a comprehensive mission plan for a hypothetical Mars exploration.

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Define the mission objectives and constraints.
Select and justify the spacecraft and launch vehicle.
Plan the trajectory and orbital insertion maneuvers.
Design the payload and scientific instruments.
Develop a contingency plan for emergencies.

Develop a Space Exploration Research Proposal

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Demonstrate your ability to conduct research and articulate a compelling proposal for a space exploration project.

Browse courses on Space Exploration

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Identify a specific research topic within the field of space exploration.
Conduct a literature review to gather background information and identify research gaps.
Develop a research question and formulate a hypothesis.
Design a research methodology and outline the expected outcomes.
Write a comprehensive research proposal, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, expected outcomes, and references.

Career center

Learners who complete Space Exploration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Effort

3-4 hours per week for 7 weeks

Level

Intermediate

Via

Coursera

Institution

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Instructor

Dr. Thomas Reiter

Language

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the European perspective on the exploration of our solar system, providing valuable insights into European space exploration strategy and activities

Provides an overview of the exploration of the Moon and Mars, encompassing the technical challenges and scientific goals associated with these missions

Examines the potential for commercial opportunities in space exploration, fostering a more robust and diverse space economy

Addresses physiological aspects of long-term astronautical missions in both LEO and beyond, exploring the challenges and impacts on human health

Covers a wide range of topics, from the principles of space exploration to commercialization strategies, addressing the various dimensions of this field

Taught by Dr. Thomas Reiter, a former astronaut with extensive experience in space exploration, providing a valuable insider perspective

Space Exploration

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive overview of space exploration

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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