New Space: Access to space - Basics from Coursera

The spirit of NewSpace is revolutionizing our vision of access to space. Reading keys will enable you to understand the technological and strategic challenges in games with new rules, fixed by ambitious players. Combine the new technologies and management of space access with the classical paradigm of the existing space context.

It is difficult to give a definition of the New Space, but we can say that there are several aspects that characterize the New Space and access to space in the New Space: innovation, private actors, reducing the price of access to space, space for all, awareness of societal challenges.

In this course, you will first acquire basic knowledge to understand how to access space. This will concern mission analysis, launchers, and rocket engines design. This introductory information will help you to understand what characterizes space access in the New Space in relation to three main aspects:

1. Methodologies of design, development, and production of launchers and rockets

2. Innovative technologies

3. Sustainable space with the future development of green launchers, towards a green space

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

The launchers

The NewSpace is a wide concept that emerged more than ten years. It is difficult to define, but it is relatively feasible to explore the consequences of NewSpace on orbital transportation. The access to space, that’s the major point. In this field, a real revolution has taken place. It is the result of several factors, which are actually the maturity of what was developed in the "traditional space" (or classical) that still has its full place today. The balances have been modified, and this Mooc presents precisely - for access to space - the main issues, openings, technologies, and perspectives that are offered to us.

Rocket engines basics

The propulsion system is the most important subsystem of any launch vehicle: it provides the thrust and Isp needed to complete the mission. The objective of this week is to provide you with an introduction to the rocket engines used in launch vehicles for space access. You will understand the fundamentals of propulsion systems, and you will understand how to relate the propulsion system to the launch vehicle mission analysis. This will allow you to understand, next week, how disruptive technologies and innovative methodologies in the new space affect the future generation of rocket engines. The week starts with an introduction to how rocket engines work, some orders of magnitude of power, and an introduction to fundamental performance parameters. Then the different types of rocket engines will be presented: liquid, solid, and hybrid. The week will end with a focus on liquid propellant engine technologies: subsystems and cycles.

Newspace for space access

In this week you will be able to understand what are the main aspects that characterize access to space in the new space. Using the knowledge you gained in week 1 on mission analysis and week 2 on propulsion systems, you will be able to understand how the design, production, and use of launchers and rockets are affected by the New Space. During this week, we will give you an overview of the production methodologies and the main disruptive technologies that characterize New Space rockets and launchers. Finally, we will discuss sustainable space, highlighting both the issues raised by New Space and the actions that could be taken.

General assessment

In this final graded assessment, you will check your knowledge and apply it.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Deep dives into rocket engines, propulsion systems, and disruptive technologies behind New Space access to space

Taught by academics and industry professionals, Yves Gourinat and Annafederica Urbano, recognized for their work in space exploration

Develops expertise in methodologies of design, development, and production for launchers and rockets, as well as innovative technologies for space access

Explores sustainable space, a highly relevant topic in the field of space access

Introduces fundamental knowledge on mission analysis, launchers, and rocket engines design

Targeted towards learners interested in the technological and strategic challenges of access to space in the context of New Space

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: Access to space - Basics with these activities:

Compilation of space access resources

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Gather and organize a collection of valuable resources related to space access, including articles, videos, and websites.

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Identify relevant resources on space access
Organize and categorize the resources
Create a central repository or website to share the compilation

Summary report on space access methodologies

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Create a comprehensive report that summarizes the methodologies used for space access, covering various aspects of launch vehicle design and rocket propulsion.

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Research and gather information on different space access methodologies
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology
Summarize the key findings in a written report

Review: Rocket Propulsion Elements

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Review the seminal textbook 'Rocket Propulsion Elements' to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of rocket propulsion and its applications in space access.

View Rocket Propulsion Elements on Amazon

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Read assigned chapters and sections
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Complete review questions and exercises

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend a workshop on NewSpace technologies

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Enroll in and actively participate in a workshop covering NewSpace technologies and their impact on space access, allowing for hands-on learning and networking opportunities.

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Research and identify relevant NewSpace workshops
Apply and register for the chosen workshop
Actively participate in all workshop activities
Follow up after the workshop to apply learnings

NewSpace technologies for space access

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Explore the latest NewSpace technologies and their potential to transform space access through guided online tutorials.

Browse courses on Disruptive Technologies

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Identify and research emerging NewSpace technologies
Analyze the impact of these technologies on space access
Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of these technologies

Rocket engine design simulations

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Simulate the design of a rocket engine to apply the principles of propulsion systems and gain a deeper understanding of their operation.

Browse courses on Propulsion Systems

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Identify mission requirements and constraints
Select and analyze candidate propellants
Design and simulate combustion chamber and nozzle
Evaluate performance and optimize design

Peer review of space access design concepts

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Organize and participate in peer review sessions to critique and refine space access design concepts, providing feedback and fostering collaboration.

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Prepare design concepts for review
Present and discuss designs with peers
Provide and receive constructive feedback
Refine and improve design concepts

Space mission simulation

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Design and simulate a space mission to apply the principles of orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, and mission planning.

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Define mission objectives and constraints
Select and analyze launch vehicle and spacecraft
Plan and simulate mission trajectory
Design and simulate spacecraft systems
Evaluate mission performance and optimize design

Career center

Learners who complete New Space: Access to space - Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, and tests new aircraft, satellites, and other spacecraft. This course provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of space access, including mission analysis, rocket engines, and launcher design. This knowledge is essential for Aerospace Engineers who wish to work on the next generation of spacecraft and launch vehicles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Spacecraft Operator

A Spacecraft Operator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of satellites and other spacecraft. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the technologies and techniques used to access and operate spacecraft, including mission planning, satellite communications, and spacecraft control. This knowledge is essential for Spacecraft Operators who wish to ensure the successful operation of spacecraft and their payloads.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Operator

Space Policy Analyst

A Space Policy Analyst develops and analyzes space policy for governments and other organizations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of space policy, including the history of space policy, the current state of space policy, and the future of space policy. This knowledge is essential for Space Policy Analysts who wish to develop and analyze space policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Policy Analyst

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

A Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer designs, develops, and tests propulsion systems for satellites and other spacecraft. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of spacecraft propulsion, including chemical propulsion, electric propulsion, and advanced propulsion systems. This knowledge is essential for Spacecraft Propulsion Engineers who wish to develop the next generation of spacecraft propulsion systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

Satellite Systems Engineer

A Satellite Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests satellites and other spacecraft. This course provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of satellite design, including spacecraft subsystems, communications systems, and attitude control systems. This knowledge is essential for Satellite Systems Engineers who wish to work on the next generation of satellites and spacecraft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Satellite Systems Engineer

Spacecraft Power Systems Engineer

A Spacecraft Power Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests the power systems of satellites and other spacecraft. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of spacecraft power systems, including power generation, power distribution, and power storage. This knowledge is essential for Spacecraft Power Systems Engineers who wish to work on the next generation of satellites and spacecraft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Power Systems Engineer

Mission Analyst

A Mission Analyst plans and designs space missions, including the selection of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and payloads. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of mission analysis, including trajectory optimization, spacecraft design, and payload selection. This knowledge is essential for Mission Analysts who wish to plan and design successful space missions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mission Analyst

Launch Vehicle Engineer

A Launch Vehicle Engineer designs, develops, and tests launch vehicles, which are used to place satellites and other spacecraft into orbit. This course provides a deep understanding of the principles of launch vehicle design, including propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and structural analysis. This knowledge is essential for Launch Vehicle Engineers who wish to develop the next generation of launch vehicles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Launch Vehicle Engineer

Space Lawyer

A Space Lawyer advises clients on legal issues related to space activities. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of space law, including the history of space law, the current state of space law, and the future of space law. This knowledge is essential for Space Lawyers who wish to advise clients on legal issues related to space activities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Space Lawyer

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

A Spacecraft Thermal Engineer designs, develops, and tests the thermal systems of satellites and other spacecraft. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of spacecraft thermal engineering, including heat transfer, thermal control systems, and thermal testing. This knowledge is essential for Spacecraft Thermal Engineers who wish to work on the next generation of satellites and spacecraft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Spacecraft Structures Engineer

A Spacecraft Structures Engineer designs, develops, and tests the structures of satellites and other spacecraft. This course provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of spacecraft structures, including materials, analysis methods, and structural design. This knowledge is essential for Spacecraft Structures Engineers who wish to work on the next generation of satellites and spacecraft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spacecraft Structures Engineer

Science Teacher

A Science Teacher teaches science to students in schools and other educational institutions. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of science education, including the history of science education, the current state of science education, and the future of science education. This knowledge is essential for Science Teachers who wish to teach science to students in schools and other educational institutions.

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Science Journalist

A Science Journalist writes and reports on science and technology for the public. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of science journalism, including the history of science journalism, the current state of science journalism, and the future of science journalism. This knowledge is essential for Science Journalists who wish to write and report on science and technology for the public.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer writes and edits scientific and technical content for a variety of audiences. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of science writing, including the history of science writing, the current state of science writing, and the future of science writing. This knowledge is essential for Science Writers who wish to write and edit scientific and technical content for a variety of audiences.

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Science Librarian

A Science Librarian manages a library collection of science and technology books and other materials. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of science librarianship, including the history of science librarianship, the current state of science librarianship, and the future of science librarianship. This knowledge is essential for Science Librarians who wish to manage a library collection of science and technology books and other materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Librarian