Course Schedule

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.

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.

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.

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.

SPST 511. Electric Space Propulsion. 3 Credits.

This course constitutes an introduction to electric propulsion principles and its main engineering elements as they apply to space science. The course provides a comprehensive and practical analysis on thruster principles, as well as on plasma physics applications, electromagnetic properties of materials used in their construction, as well as their main components. A performance of ion and Hall thrusters will be analyzed in detail. Sessions will be split into a lecturing part during the first period and a analysis of a topic of interest in the last period. 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. S, even years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.