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John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
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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 5.20.2025

Summer 2025

SPST 552. History of Astronomy and Cosmology. 3 Credits.

This course investigates the history of human endeavors to understand the stars, planets, and cosmos as a whole from a scientific perspective. It covers the early observations and theories of the Babylonians and Greeks through the European Scientific Revolution, and finally to the development of astrophysics and modern cosmology using space vehicles. On demand.

Offered: Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (History)

Instructor: Michael Dodge

Required Textbook:

  • Cosmos: An Illustrated History of Astronomy and Cosmology by John North, University of Chicago Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0226594415 (paperback).

SPST 556. Geopolitics of Outer Space. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of the increasing relevance of the geopolitics of outer space in the international system of the 21st century. Although space has always been a critical factor in national security and defense because of its relevant geopolitical value, today all modern military forces rely on space, making it a key domain for any international actor with global aspirations. In recent decades, geopolitical tensions have arisen between the United States and new contenders, particularly China and Russia. Recent events in the international scenario have confirmed space as a strategic operational domain for hybrid warfare tactics, pushing governments to maintain their investments in traditional space applications (such as telecommunications, navigation, and Earth observation), but more importantly in space security and defense systems to further protect their space assets. SS, odd years.

Offered: Online

Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (International Relations)

Instructor: Francisco Del Canto Viterale

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

3980 Campus Rd Stop 9007
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9007

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