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 4.17.2024
Spring 2024
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: On-Campus (8390), Online (8398)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Applications)
Instructor: Sherry Fieber-Beyer
Required Textbook:
- To Measure the Sky: An Introduction to Observational Astronomy, 2nd Edition. Frederick R. Chromey, Vassar College, New York, 2016. ISBN: 9781107572560.
SPST 460. Life in the Universe. 3 Credits.
This course examines the nature and evolution of life on Earth from its origin to the present time in the context of cosmological evolution, chemical evolution, planetary evolution, biological evolution, and cultural evolution. The possibility of life elsewhere in the universe is considered based on the conditions under which life could arise and flourish. Human changes to the Earth are placed within this context. The future of life on Earth is discussed and the social and cultural implications arising from the discovery of extraterrestrial life are explored. On demand.
Offered: On-Campus (9480), Online (9484)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Planetary Science)
Instructor: Sherry Fieber-Beyer
Required Textbook:
- Life in the Universe (4th Edition) by Jeffrey O. Bennett, Seth Shostak, 560 Pages, Published 2016 ISBN-13: 9780134089089.
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: On-Campus (8376), Online (8382)
Instructor: Pablo de León
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: On-Campus (8414), Online (8422)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Human Factors)
Instructors: Travis Nelson, Pablo de León
Required Textbook:
- Armstrong, Lawrence. 2000. Performing in Extreme Environments. ISBN-13: 978-0880118378.
SPST 553. Space Diplomacy and Space Cooperation. 3 Credits.
In the current international system, space diplomacy and space cooperation emerge as critical factors among space stakeholders to address common issues and build international partnerships. This course is a survey about the increasing role of space diplomacy and space cooperation within the international system. Students will be introduced to new and more effective ways of diplomacy and mechanism of international negotiation that space actors are using to face the new challenges of the new space global agenda. F, odd years.
Offered: On-Campus (21960), Online (21964)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (History OR Policy)
Instructor: Francisco Del Canto Viterale
SPST 561. Public Administration of Space Technology. 3 Credits.
This course is an advanced graduate-level review of Public Administration theories as applied to the implementation of space technology programs. In this course, the political, organizational, and technical variables that affect the management processes of space organizations are examined. Prerequisite: SPST 560 or SPST 541 or consent of instructor. On demand.
Offered: Online (21916)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (Management)
Instructor: David Kugler
Required Textbooks:
- Denhardt, R. B. & Catlaw, T. J. (2014). Theories of Public Organization, 7th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson-Wadsworth. ISBN-13: 978-1285436333 (paperback)
- Kettl, D. (2023). Politics of the Administrative Process, 9th ed. Los Angeles: CQ Press. ISBN-13: 978-1-0718-7555-1 (paperback)
Recommended Textbook:
- Vaughan, D. (1996). The Challenger Launch Decision: Risky Technology, Culture, and Deviance at NASA. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. ISBN: 0-226-85176-1.
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: On-Campus (8428), Online (8434)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Social (Law)
Instructor: Michael Dodge
Required Textbook:
- Space Law: A Treatise, 2nd Edition, by Francisa Lyall and Paul B. Larsen. ISBN-13: 978-0367669744.
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: On-Campus (22283), Online (22284)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Human Factors)
Instructor: Keith Crisman
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: On-Campus (9516), Online (9520)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering)
Instructor: Marcos Fernández Tous
Required Textbook:
- Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion. Goebel, D. M., & Katz, I. (2008). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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: On-Campus (22285), Online (22286)
Area (Sub-Discipline): Technical (Space Engineering)
Instructor: Marcos Fernández Tous
Required Textbook:
- Rocket Propulsion Elements. Sutton, G. P., & Biblarz, O. (2017). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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: On-Campus (8364), Online (8370)
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 (8406)
Instructor: Ron Fevig
Summer 2024
Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
---|---|---|---|
520 | Asteroids, Meteorites and Comets | Sherry Fieber-Beyer | Technical (Planetary Science) |
551 | History of the Space Age | Francisco Del Canto Viterale | Social (History) |
570 | Space Domain Awareness | David Kugler | Social (Policy) |
Fall 2024
Number | Title | Instructor | Area (Sub-Discipline) |
---|---|---|---|
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) |
533 (570) | Space Architecture: Sci-Fi to Reality | Keith Crisman | TBD |
555 | Military Space Programs | David Kugler | Social (History OR Policy) |
560 | Space Politics and Policy | Michael Dodge | Social (History OR Policy) |
562 | Soviet/Russian Space Program | Francisco Del Canto Viterale | Social (History OR Policy) |
570 | Air Breathing Engines | Marcos Fernández Tous | Technical (Space Engineering) |
570 | Global Governance of Space | Francisco Del Canto Viterale, Michael Dodge, & David Kugler | Social (Law OR Policy) |
570 | Nuclear Space Propulsion | Marcos Fernández Tous | Technical (Space Engineering) |
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 |