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Course Schedule

These courses are tentatively scheduled to be offered, and are subject to low-enrollment cancellation. To see the course descriptions, refer to the course listing. Note that SPST 504, 591, 593, 996, 997, and 998 are available every semester and require the instructor's approval prior to registration. 

Selecting Campus or Online section of a course:

  1. In Campus Connection, find the desired course
  2. By clicking on either section that is highlighted in blue, the class details will provide the information indicating an online course
  3. The location code lists either "GrandForks" for campus sections or "University of North Dakota" for online sections

Last Updated 4.16.2025

Spring 2025

SPST 425. Observational Astronomy. 3 Credits.

This course explores aspects of observational astronomy including monochromatic imaging, astrometry, and photometry. Basic observing techniques, astronomical equipment, characteristics of the night sky, data reduction, interpretations, as well as image processing techniques will be taught. Students will learn to operate a remotely controllable Internet telescope and CCD camera. A broadband Internet connection is recommended. Night observing is required. S.

Offered: Campus, Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Applications)

Instructor: Sherry Fieber-Beyer

Required Textbook:

  • Chromey, F (2016). To Measure the Sky, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13:‎ 9781107572560

SPST 500. Introduction to Orbital Mechanics. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students without much background in either mathematics or physics to the problems faced everyday by orbital analysts as they track the 7000 satellites which orbit the earth. The course gives the students an ability to converse, as managers and co-workers, with those individuals who are calculating these difficult orbits. This appreciation is important in both the civilian and military sides of the space program. On demand.

Offered: Campus, Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering)

Instructor: Ron Fevig

Required Textbook:

  • Sellers, J. (author) Larson, W., ed. Understanding Space: An Intro to Astronautics. 4th ed. CEI Publications. ISBN: 9780990429944.

SPST 502. Survey of Space Studies II. 3 Credits.

SPST 502 is the second course in a two-course sequence (along with SPST 501) in Space Studies that introduces new students to essential knowledge that will be necessary to successfully complete their M.S. degree in space studies. SPST 502 consists of the following five modules: 1) space mission design (two modules), 2) orbital mechanics, 3) launch vehicles and propulsion, and 4) robotic spacecraft instrumentation. All modules contain foundational information that will give students the basic knowledge and skills necessary to achieve a broad understanding of the multi- and inter-disciplinary nature of space studies; knowledge that can be applied in later courses, such as Capstone; and knowledge that facilitates thesis and other specialized types of instruction and research. Course content in SPST 502 will also be used to assess student learning at the end of their M.S. program via the Comprehensive Examination. Students are expected to master and understand course content, be able to apply course content as appropriate, and demonstrate their understanding of course content prior to graduation. S.

Offered: Campus, Online

Instructor: Pablo de León

SPST 509. Space Propulsion Systems. 3 Credits.

This course constitutes an introduction to rocket propulsion principles and its main engineering elements as they apply to space science. The course provides a comprehensive and practical analysis of combustion processes, as well as thermal and fluid dynamics applications, mechanical properties of construction materials, and the main components of a propulsion system. The performance of liquid propellant-based engines and solid propellant-based rockets will be analyzed in detail. Sessions will be split into a lecturing part in the first half and a group analysis in the second half. Complementary material such as videos and recently published journal articles will be used on a regular basis to reinforce and go beyond the basic concepts presented in the course book. Students will put the acquired knowledge into practice through a range of assignments comprising in-class presentations, tests to evaluate the knowledge gained, and application of techniques to solve open-ended problems. Prerequisite: MATH 165 or similar. S, odd years.

Offered: Campus, Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering)

Instructor: Marcos Fernández Tous

Required Textbook:

  • Sutton, G. (2016). Rocket Propulsion Elements. 9th ed. Wiley. ISBN-13: 9781118753651

SPST 512. Human Performance in Extreme Environments. 3 Credits.

This course identifies the impact that the stressors of extreme environments have on human performance. The course objectives are to highlight the differences and similarities among extreme environments and to demonstrate that, despite the differences lessons learned from operations in a given extreme environment can be effectively applied to other environments. Although settings such as space, mountains, or deep sea exhibit unique characteristics, the human physiological and psychological reactions and adaptations to these extreme settings stay similar. On demand.

Offered: Campus, Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Human Factors)

Instructor: Pablo de León

Required Textbook:

  • OER materials

SPST 520. Asteroids, Meteorites and Comets. 3 Credits.

The small bodies of the solar system provide clues to the origin and early history of the solar system. The planets and larger moons have all been chemically transformed erasing their records of their formation. By contrast, many asteroids, meteorites and comets are essentially unmodified from the time of their origin 4.5 billion years ago and thus preserve a record of the formation epoch. Each of these classes of objects is investigated separately, and relationships between them are examined. Implications for impact hazards and for extraterrestrial resources are also explored. The results of recent and current spacecraft missions to asteroids (e.g., Galileo, NEAR, DAWN, Hayabusa, Rosetta, OSIRIS-Rex, etc.) and to comets (e.g. Giotto, Vega 1, Stardust, Deep Impact, Rosetta, etc.) are reviewed. On demand.

Offered: Campus, Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Planetary Science)

Instructor: Sherry Fieber-Beyer

SPST 530. Human Centered Design. 3 Credits.

This course This course falls under the fields of engineering, human factors and, of course, human spaceflight and is designed to give the student a human centered design perspective for the architecture of systems and/or procedures in variable gravity environments with foci on humans-in-the-loop research, system safety and resiliency (anti-fragility), and the Human Centered Design Iterative Process. F, even years.

Offered: Campus, Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering OR Human Factors)

Instructor: Keith Crisman

SPST 540. Space Economics and Commerce. 3 Credits.

A study of the economic aspects of space activities, with analysis of the possibilities and the barriers. Key areas include launch services, satellite communications, remote sensing, microgravity materials processing, and interaction with the government. Global competition against subsidies or government-sponsored entities is examined. On demand.

Offered: Campus, Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (Management)

Instructor: Francisco Del Canto Viterale

SPST 547. The Space Age & Popular Culture. 3 Credits.

This course will be offered as a seminar on the extent and value science fiction and other forms of media have played in the public's understanding of outer space. The portrayal of space activities, civilizations, and technologies across the news media and popular media, including film, television, podcasts, blogs, and even classic science fiction writings will be explored and mined for relevance to the current Space Age. The influence of science fiction on classic rocket pioneers, space scientists, and cultural figures will be examined, and the themes of these media will be parsed for what they have to say about humanity in general, and contemporary society more specifically. Additionally, diverse voices and current experiences in creating space media will be explored to showcase the impact on contemporaneous space science education. F, even years.

Offered: Campus, Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (History)

Instructor: Michael Dodge

Required Textbook:

  • Vandermeer, A. Vandermeer, J. eds. (2016). The Big Book of Science Fiction. Vintage. ISBN‐13: 9781101910092
  • Zamyatin, Y. (1993) We. Penguin 20th Century Classics ISBN‐13: 9780140185850
  • Heinlein, R. (2018). The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Penguin Random House, LLC. ISBN13: 9780440001355

SPST 557. Spacepower Theory. 3 Credits.

This course explores spacepower theory as a foundation for national security strategy in the space domain. Defining space power as "the nation's ability to exploit the space environment to achieve national goals and purposes," the course will cover a variety of military theorists and theories and how Spacepower Theory has evolved since the late 1950s. Emphasis will be on development of a modern unified theory of spacepower suitable for use by policy makers when developing national security strategy. The course will specifically contrast Mahanian, Geopolitical, and Earth-based approaches to space power theory. This theory will be linked to the larger concept of national power in an international environment. Students completing this course should be more well-equipped to expand their studies into international politics, space economics, and space law as well as have a strong foundation for further study of military space programs. S, odd years.

Offered: Campus, Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (Policy)

Instructor: David Kugler

Required Textbook:

  • Carlson, J. (2020). Spacepower Ascendant: Space Development Theory and a New Space Strategy. Independently published. ISBN‐13: 9798655659230
  • Ziarnick, B. (2015). Developing National Power in Space: A Theoretical Model. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN‐13: 978‐0786494996

SPST 565. Space Law. 3 Credits.

This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to the field of Law as applied to Space Law. The course examines the origins and evolution of the laws of outer space from the beginnings of the space age to the present. International laws governing access and use of space, and national laws regulating governmental and commercial activities in space are reviewed and analyzed. On demand.

Offered: Campus, Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (Law)

Instructor: Michael Dodge

Required Textbook:

  • Aust, A. (2010). Handbook of International Law, 2nd ed. Cambridge Univ Press. ISBN-13‏:‎ 9780521133494

SPST 590. Space Studies Colloquium. 1 Credit.

A series of lectures presented by visiting lecturers and faculty. May be repeated for up to 2 credits. S/U grading.

Offered: Campus, Online

Instructor: Keith Crisman

SPST 595. Space Studies Capstone. 3 Credits.

The capstone course integrates, extends and applies knowledge gained in earlier Space Studies courses and reading. The major component of this course is a collaborative team project inter-relating policy, technology and science. This course is required for students who select the non-thesis option and can be taken after completing at least 25 credits in the program or completion of the curriculum breadth requirements. The course concludes with a required week-long capstone experience on the UND campus in the spring. Prerequisite: SPST 501, SPST 502, SPST 997, Comprehensive Exam, Graduate school status, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher and instructor permission. Prerequisite or Corequisite: Will graduate in the calendar year; either in Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters. S.

Offered: Online

Instructor: Ron Fevig

Summer 2025

Number Title Instructor(s) Area (Sub-Discipline)
552 History of Astronomy & Cosmology Michael Dodge Social (History)
556 Geopolitics of Outer Space Francisco Del Canto Viterale Social (International Relations)

Fall 2025

Number Title Instructor Area (Sub-Discipline)
450 International Space Programs Francisco Del Canto Viterale Social (History OR Policy)
501 Survey of Space Studies I Pablo de León  
506 Advanced Orbital Mechanics Ron Fevig Technical (Space Engineering)
510 Hypersonic Aerodynamics Marcos Fernández Tous Technical (Space Engineering)
515 Human Factors in Space Pablo de León Technical (Human Factors OR Applications)
526 Advanced Observational Astronomy Sherry Fieber-Beyer Technical (Applications OR Planetary Science)
527 Extraterrestrial Resources Sherry Fieber-Beyer / Michael Dodge Technical (Planetary Science)
532 Disasters in Human Spaceflight Keith Crisman Technical (Space Engineering OR Human Factors)
541 Management of Space Enterprises David Kugler Social (Management)
563 China's Space Program Francisco Del Canto Viterale Social (International Relations)
575 Remote Sensing Law and Policy Michael Dodge Social (Policy OR Law)

Spring 2026

Number Title Instructor Area (Sub-Discipline)
405 Space Mission Design Ron Fevig Technical (Space Engineering)
425 Observational Astronomy Sherry Fieber-Beyer Technical (Applications)
460 Life in the Universe Sherry Fieber-Beyer Technical (Planetary Science)
502 Survey of Space Studies II Pablo de León  
512 Human Performance in Extreme Environments Pablo de León Technical (Human Factors)
531 Applied Human Centered Design Keith Crisman Technical (Human Factors)
545 Space & the Environment Michael Dodge Social (Policy OR Law)
553 Space Diplomacy & Cooperation Francisco Del Canto Viterale Social (International Relations)
557 Space Propulsion Systems Marcos Fernández Tous Technical (Space Engineering)
561 Public Administration of Space Technology David Kugler Social (Management)
565 Space Law Michael Dodge Social (Law OR International Relations)
590 Space Studies Colloquium Keith Crisman  
595 Space Studies Capstone Ron Fevig  

Summer 2026

Number Title Instructor Area (Sub-Discipline)
521 The Planet Mars Sherry Fieber-Beyer Technical (Planetary Science)
542 Risk Management of Space Organizations David Kugler Social (Management)
551 History of the Space Age Francisco Del Canto Viterale Social (History)

Fall 2026

Number Title Instructor Area (Sub-Discipline)
501 Survey of Space Studies I Pablo de León  
513 Nuclear Space Propulsion Marcos Fernández Tous Technical (Space Engineering)
515 Human Factors in Space Pablo de León Technical (Human Factors OR Applications)
526 Advanced Observational Astronomy Sherry Fieber-Beyer Technical (Applications OR Planetary Science)
533 (570) Space Architecture: Sci-Fi to Reality Keith Crisman Technical (Human Factors)
547 Popular Culture and the Space Age Michael Dodge Social (History)
555 Military Space Programs David Kugler Social (International Relations)
560 Space Politics and Policy Michael Dodge Social (History OR Policy)
562 Soviet/Russian Space Program Francisco Del Canto Viterale Social (International Relations)

Spring 2027

Number Title Instructor Area (Sub-Discipline)
425 Observational Astronomy Sherry Fieber-Beyer Technical (Applications)
450 International Space Programs Francisco Del Canto Viterale Social (International Relations)
502 Survey of Space Studies II Pablo de León  
511 Electric Space Propulsion Marcos Fernández Tous Technical (Space Engineering)
512 Human Performance in Extreme Environments Pablo de León Technical (Human Factors)
520 Asteroids, Meteorites and Comets Sherry Fieber-Beyer Technical (Planetary Science)
530 Human Centered Design Keith Crisman Technical (Space Engineering OR Human Factors)
557 Spacepower Theory David Kugler Social (Policy)
565 Space Law Michael Dodge Social (Law OR International Relations)
570 China's Space Program Francisco Del Canto Viterale Social (International Relations)
590 Space Studies Colloquium Keith Crisman  
595 Space Studies Capstone Ron Fevig  
Department of Space Studies
4149 University Avenue, Stop 9008
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9008
P 701.777.2480
info@space.edu
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John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences

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