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:
- In Campus Connection, find the desired course
- By clicking on either section that is highlighted in blue, the class details will provide the information indicating an online course
- The location code lists either "GrandForks" for campus sections or "University of North Dakota" for online sections
Last Updated 6.18.2024
Fall 2024
SPST 501. Survey of Space Studies I. 3 Credits.
SPST 501 is the first course in a two-course sequence (along with SPST 502) 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 501 consists of the following six modules: 1) space history, 2) space policy, 3) space law, 4) planetary and space sciences, 5) space life sciences and human factors, and 6) Earth remote sensing. 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 501 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. F.
Offered: Campus (22327), Online (22332)
Instructor: Pablo de León
SPST 506. Advanced Orbital Mechanics. 3 Credits.
This course provides a working knowledge of the field of orbital mechanics including the use of appropriate mathematical and computational techniques, the analysis of professional papers in orbital mechanics, and applying the appropriate techniques to solve orbital mechanics problems. Topics covered include orbital elements, perturbations, coordinate systems, orbit determination, and multi-body gravitational problems. Prerequisite: SPST 500 and MATH 266 or equivalent or Instructor consent. S.
Offered: Campus (28020), Online (28021)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering)
Instructor: Ron Fevig
SPST 515. Human Factors in Space. 3 Credits.
This course is a review of the major stresses experienced by humans on entering the space environment. The course objectives include investigation of the psychological and physiological effects experienced by U.S. and Russian space crews, with an emphasis on longer flights. The examination of the avoidance and mitigation of these stresses is an essential need in the future development of human spaceflight. On demand.
Offered: Campus (33845), Online (33846)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Human Factors OR Applications)
Instructor: Travis Nelson
SPST 526. Advanced Observational Astronomy. 3 Credits.
An advanced course that utilizes UND Observatory's full wavelength range capabilities to obtain data from a variety of celestial objects with the key goal of learning appropriate ways to reduce and interpret observational data. In particular, the course will focus on visible-wavelength stellar spectroscopy, near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, solar astronomy, radio astronomy, and color imaging. Students will also engage in reading professional literature for each sub-discipline and prepare a mock publication using data obtained during the course. Learning outcomes and objectives for this course include: 1) Students will be able to locate and observe astronomical objects and reduce data, 2) Develop analytical skills and the ability to interpret observational data, 3) Gain experience with measurement techniques and equipment, and develop the ability to assess uncertainties and assumptions, 4) Communicate professionally, in writing, the results of their observational endeavors, and be able to understand scientific ideas by reading published professional journal articles, 5) Students will be able to understand scientific ethical practices and demonstrate them in the conduct of scientific research, and 6) Students will be able to conduct astronomical research under the direction of the professor, which will ultimately contribute to the generation of new knowledge as it will prepare them to do this professionally. Prerequisite: SPST 425 and MATH 165 or consent of instructor. On demand.
Offered: Campus (33840), Online (33851)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Applications OR Planetary Science)
Instructor: Sherry Fieber-Beyer
SPST 555. Military Space Programs. 3 Credits.
An introduction to military uses of space by the United States, Russia, and other nations. The course introduces ballistic missiles, anti-ballistic missile and anti-satellite systems, space-based reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering, communications, navigation, acquisition, and military space treaties. On demand.
Offered: Campus (33843), Online (33847)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (History OR International Relations OR Policy)
Instructor: David Kugler
SPST 560. Space Politics and Policy. 3 Credits.
This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to the field of Public Policy as applied to Space Policy. The course surveys the evolution of Space Policy at several levels of analysis including context, political actors and institutions, political processes, and policy outcomes, and assesses the symbiotic relationship between policy, technology, and science. On demand.
Offered: Campus (33842), Online (33866)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (History OR Policy)
Instructor: Michael Dodge
SPST 562. Soviet/Russian Space Program. 3 Credits.
At the dawn of a new space age, it seems important and useful to study the historical evolution of the Soviet/Russian space program, its significant role as a space power, and its impact on the world order. The Soviet Union, and then Russia have played a noteworthy and very unique role in the history of the space age. This course is an introduction to the Soviet/Russian Space Program from the early days of space exploration in the former Soviet Union to the current Russian space activities led by Roscosmos, the Russian space agency. F, even years.
Offered: Campus (28022), Online (28023)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (International Relations)
Instructor: Francisco Del Canto Viterale
SPST 570. Advanced Topics in Space Studies. 1-3 Credits.
Lecture, discussion and readings on advanced topics of current interest. May be repeated if the topic is different. Repeatable.
This course is an introduction to the principles of jet engines: How they work and what they are made of along with historical and current applications. A specially designed course for anyone passionate about space. Gain a new insight into how engineers have developed one of the most perfect machines that ever existed. Includes an introduction to hypersonic and space propulsion.
Offered: Campus (570-05; 33989), Online (570-08; 33990)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering)
Instructor: Marcos Fernández Tous
Required Textbook:
- Elements of propulsion. Gas turbines and rockets. Second edition. Jack D. Mattingly and Keith M. Boyer. AIAA education.
SPST 570. Advanced Topics in Space Studies. 1-3 Credits.
Lecture, discussion and readings on advanced topics of current interest. May be repeated if the topic is different. Repeatable.
This course is a graduate-level introduction to the myriad aspects of governance in space. The course will examine contemporary space activities, which are held together via a patchwork of law, policy, and international relations, each of which has been heavily influenced by historical events. Authorization of space activities, systems of control, and governance structures for current and future human activities in space will be explored. Domestic and international aspirations for settlements on space stations, the Moon, Mars, and other celestial objects will be analyzed with reference to influential factors, such as geopolitics, diplomatic relations between States, military activity, and the international treaty structure.
Offered: Campus (570-07; 33881), Online (570-06; 33882)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (History OR International Relations OR Policy)
Instructors: Francisco Del Canto Viterale, Michael Dodge, & David Kugler
SPST 570. Advanced Topics in Space Studies. 1-3 Credits.
Lecture, discussion and readings on advanced topics of current interest. May be repeated if the topic is different. Repeatable.
This course is designed to explore the application of nuclear reactors to rocket propulsion in their two main versions: nuclear thermal (NTP) and nuclear electric (NEP) propulsion. The proposed schedule is divided into three blocks: the physics of nuclear propulsion, where an introduction to fission as well as fission will be given; the application to rocket propulsion; and an analysis of historical achievements in the field.
Offered: Campus (570-03; 22670), Online (570-09; 34030)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering)
Instructor: Marcos Fernández Tous
Required Textbook:
- Principles of nuclear rocket propulsion. William J. Emrich Jr. Second edition. B H.
SPST 570. Advanced Topics in Space Studies. 1-3 Credits.
Lecture, discussion and readings on advanced topics of current interest. May be repeated if the topic is different. Repeatable.
Offered: Campus (570-01; 28018), Online (570-02; 28019)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Human Factors OR Applications)
Instructor: Keith Crisman
Spring 2025
Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
---|---|---|---|
425 | Observational Astronomy | Sherry Fieber-Beyer | Technical (Applications) |
500 | Introduction to Orbital Mechanics | Ron Fevig | Technical (Space Engineering) |
502 | Survey of Space Studies II | Pablo de León | |
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) |
540 | Space Economics and Commerce | Francisco Del Canto Viterale | Social (Management) |
565 | Space Law | Michael Dodge | Social (Law) |
570 | Electric Space Propulsion | Marcos Fernández Tous | Technical (Space Engineering) |
570 | Rocket Propulsion Systems | Marcos Fernández Tous | Technical (Space Engineering) |
570 | Sci-Fi, Pop Media, and the Space Age | Michael Dodge | TBD |
570 | Space Power Theory | David Kugler | Social (Policy) |
590 | Space Studies Colloquium | Keith Crisman | |
595 | Space Studies Capstone | Ron Fevig |
Summer 2025
Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
---|---|---|---|
521 | The Planet Mars | Sherry Fieber-Beyer | Technical (Planetary Science) |
570 | Geopolitics of Outer Space | Francisco Del Canto Viterale | TBD |
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) |
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) |
532 | Disasters in Human Spaceflight | Keith Crisman | Technical (Space Engineering OR Human Factors) |
542 | Risk Management of Space Organizations | David Kugler | Social (Management) |
545 | Space and the Environment | Michael Dodge | Social (Policy OR Law) |
570 | China's Space Program | Francisco Del Canto Viterale | TBD |
570 | Hypersonic Aerodynamics | Marcos Fernández Tous | Technical (Space Engineering) |
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 (570) | Applied Human Centered Design | Keith Crisman | TBD |
570 | Rocket Propulsion Systems | Marcos Fernández Tous | Technical (Space Engineering) |
590 | Space Studies Colloquium | Keith Crisman | |
595 | Space Studies Capstone | Ron Fevig |
Summer 2026
Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
---|---|---|---|
527 | Extraterrestrial Resources | Sherry Fieber-Beyer | Technical (Planetary Science) |
Fall 2026
Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
---|---|---|---|
501 | Survey of Space Studies I | Pablo de León | |
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 | TBD |
570 | Nuclear Space Propulsion | Marcos Fernández Tous | Technical (Space Engineering) |
Spring 2027
Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
---|---|---|---|
425 | Observational Astronomy | Sherry Fieber-Beyer | Technical (Applications) |
502 | Survey of Space Studies II | Pablo de León | |
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) |
570 | Electric Propulsion Systems | Marcos Fernández Tous | Technical (Space Engineering) |
590 | Space Studies Colloquium | Keith Crisman | |
595 | Space Studies Capstone | Ron Fevig |