New Space Economy from edX

The New Space sector is a fast-growing market, boosting the historical institutional space exploration economy. The roughly 366 billion USD global space industry in 2019 is estimated to surge to over $1 trillion by 2040. The current growth in the development of space infrastructures and production of data from space is opening a full range of new applications for new customers. New business models for space encompass launchers, satellite manufacturers, in-orbit servicing, telecommunication, cybersecurity, earth observation analytics, and many more.

Space4Impact, eSpace, E2MC and Space Innovation joined forces to launch this online course on New Space Economy. The course contains more than 30 videos from space experts from various space domains, including professors, scientists, representatives of public institutions and international organizations, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Join the new space boom. Whether you are an entrepreneur, student or career jumper, this course gives you a detailed overview of the new space economy. You will learn about current and future space infrastructures that enable various applications, such as telecommunication, broadcasting, geolocation, Earth Observation or in space manufacturing. You will learn how space data can enable new products and services to final customers on Earth. Last but not least, you will learn about how space can make Earth more sustainable and how to make sure to keep space sustainable in return.

What's inside

Learning objectives

History and trends in space
Management of space and impact
Remote sensing for earth applications

Remote communication for earth applications
Space a unique environment
Remote geopositioning and navigation

History and trends in space
Management of space and impact
Remote sensing for earth applications
Remote communication for earth applications
Space a unique environment
Remote geopositioning and navigation

Syllabus

The goal of this online course is to create awareness of the New Space economy among graduate students, traditional space actors, entrepreneurs, and career jumpers.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by industry professionals from E2MC eSpace, Space Innovation, and Space4Impact, who are leaders in these fields

Examines the latest trends and innovations in the rapidly growing space sector

Provides a comprehensive overview of the space industry's various sectors, including launchers, satellite manufacturers, in-orbit servicing, telecommunication, cybersecurity, and earth observation

Features over 30 videos from space experts from various fields, including professors, scientists, and entrepreneurs

Covers key topics such as the history and trends in space, remote sensing for Earth applications, remote communication for Earth applications, and more

Suitable for students, entrepreneurs, and career jumpers looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the space sector

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 New Space Economy with these activities:

Review Earth Observation Principles

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Review basic Earth Observation (EO) principles to build a stronger foundation for understanding EO applications and technologies.

Browse courses on Earth Observation

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Read introductory materials on EO concepts
Complete online tutorials on EO data acquisition and processing

Read 'Introduction to Remote Sensing' by James Campbell

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Delve deeper into the fundamentals of remote sensing by reading this comprehensive book, which provides a thorough overview of EO principles, techniques, and applications.

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Read selected chapters relevant to the course topics
Summarize key concepts and make connections to the course materials

Join a study group for EO applications discussions

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Engage in discussions with peers through a study group or online forums to exchange knowledge, clarify concepts, and deepen your understanding of EO applications.

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Find or create a study group with classmates
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, share insights, and work on problems together

Five other activities

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Explore QGIS for Geospatial Data Analysis

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Gain hands-on experience with QGIS, a widely used open-source software for geospatial data analysis and visualization, to enhance your understanding of EO data handling and processing.

Browse courses on QGIS

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Follow online tutorials on QGIS installation and basic operations
Load and explore different types of EO data in QGIS
Create thematic maps and perform basic spatial analysis tasks

Solve practice problems on Satellite Image Interpretation

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Reinforce your understanding of satellite image interpretation by solving practice problems, enabling you to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in this area.

Browse courses on Image Analysis

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks
Analyze satellite images and derive meaningful information
Compare your results with provided solutions or consult with peers

Participate in local community mapping or environmental monitoring projects

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Gain hands-on experience in EO applications by volunteering with organizations involved in community mapping or environmental monitoring projects, connecting your learning to real-world impact.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Identify local organizations or initiatives focused on EO applications
Contact the organizations and express your interest in volunteering
Attend volunteer training sessions and participate in data collection or analysis activities

Develop a presentation on an EO application in a specific domain

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Solidify your knowledge by creating a presentation that showcases your understanding of an EO application in a specific domain, such as agriculture, disaster management, or urban planning.

Browse courses on Presentation

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Choose an EO application and research its principles and benefits
Gather data, case studies, and examples to support your presentation
Create visual aids, such as maps, charts, and images
Practice delivering your presentation and seek feedback from peers or the instructor

Build a prototype EO data processing application

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Apply your knowledge and skills by building a prototype EO data processing application, allowing you to gain practical experience in developing solutions for real-world problems.

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Identify a problem or use case for your application
Design and develop the application using appropriate programming languages and tools
Test and refine your application based on user feedback

Career center

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

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers use their knowledge of how airplanes, rockets, and spacecraft operate to create and improve space exploration technology. They are also responsible for the development of the spacecraft, launch vehicles, and the systems that control them. As the space industry continues to evolve, the New Space Economy course can help build a foundation for having a better understanding of the rapidly growing field, alongside the components that make it up. Some aspects of the course that may be particularly relevant to the role include: History and trends in space, Management of space and impact, and Remote sensing for Earth applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Astronaut

Astronauts are responsible for operating, repairing, and maintaining spacecraft. They also conduct experiments and collect data in space. As the space industry continues to evolve, the New Space Economy course can help build a foundation for a better understanding of the space industry, alongside the components that make it up. Some aspects of the course that may be particularly relevant to the role include: History and trends in space, Management of space and impact, and Remote sensing for Earth applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astronaut

Satellite Communications Engineer

Satellite Communications Engineers design, develop, and maintain satellite communication systems. They are responsible for ensuring that satellites are able to communicate with each other and with ground stations. Given the emphasis on topics like Remote communication for Earth applications and Remote geopositioning and navigation, the New Space Economy course may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Satellite Communications Engineer

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineers design and develop propulsion systems for spacecraft. They are responsible for ensuring that spacecraft are able to move and maneuver in space. Given its emphasis on space exploration, the New Space Economy course may be useful to gaining a better understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Spacecraft Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and integrating the various systems that make up a spacecraft. They are also responsible for ensuring that spacecraft are able to operate safely and reliably in space. The New Space Economy course may be useful for gaining knowledge in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Spacecraft Thermal Engineers are responsible for designing and developing thermal control systems for spacecraft. They are responsible for ensuring that spacecraft are able to maintain a stable temperature in space. The New Space Economy course may be useful for gaining knowledge in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Spacecraft Structures Engineer

Spacecraft Structures Engineers are responsible for designing and developing the structures of spacecraft. They are responsible for ensuring that spacecraft are able to withstand the forces of launch and space travel. The New Space Economy course may be useful for gaining knowledge in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Structures Engineer

Spacecraft Test Engineer

Spacecraft Test Engineers are responsible for testing spacecraft to ensure that they are able to operate safely and reliably in space. They are also responsible for developing and executing test plans. The New Space Economy course may be useful for gaining knowledge in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Test Engineer

Satellite Payload Engineer

Satellite Payload Engineers are responsible for designing and developing the payloads for satellites. They are responsible for ensuring that satellites are able to carry out their missions. Given the emphasis on topics like Remote sensing for Earth applications and Remote geopositioning and navigation, the New Space Economy course may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Satellite Payload Engineer

Satellite Ground Systems Engineer

Satellite Ground Systems Engineers are responsible for designing and developing the ground systems for satellites. They are responsible for ensuring that satellites are able to communicate with ground stations and that data from satellites is able to be processed and used. Given the emphasis on topics like Remote sensing for Earth applications and Remote geopositioning and navigation, the New Space Economy course may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Satellite Ground Systems Engineer

Satellite Applications Engineer

Satellite Applications Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing applications for satellites. They are responsible for ensuring that satellites are able to meet the needs of their users. The New Space Economy course may be useful for gaining knowledge in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Satellite Applications Engineer

Satellite Business Development Manager

Satellite Business Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing business plans for satellites. They are responsible for identifying and securing new customers for satellites. The New Space Economy course may be useful for gaining knowledge in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Satellite Business Development Manager

Space Policy Analyst

Space Policy Analysts are responsible for developing and implementing space policy. They are responsible for advising governments and organizations on space-related issues. Given its emphasis on topics like Management of space and impact the New Space Economy course may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Policy Analyst

Space Lawyer

Space Lawyers are responsible for providing legal advice on space-related issues. They are responsible for representing clients in space-related disputes. The New Space Economy course may be useful for gaining knowledge in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Lawyer

Space Educator

Space Educators are responsible for teaching about space. The New Space Economy course may be useful for gaining knowledge in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Educator