Space Infrastructure and Sustainable Exploration

Students enrolled in this Graduate Certificate program will investigate technologies to develop space infrastructure and sustainable exploration of the solar system and beyond.

This program is designed to guide students through methodologies of building space infrastructure, remote sensing, space science, space management and operations. In addition to exploring the development of a broad set of space systems, students will delve into surveying supporting systems for space settlement and roadmaps for technological growth and expansion.

Space Infrastructure and Sustainable Exploration

Choose any three of the courses listed below and one three-credit elective from any certificate program.

EXP 500: Space Technology and Resources (3 credits)

This course surveys the resources available in asteroids and other planets and considers the technologies required to identify and mine material for space exploration. Topics shall include autonomous technology, robotics, material sciences, prospecting and target selection, extraction techniques, processing materials, additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, miniaturization, regulations, and safety.

EXP 501: Transportation and Infrastructure Development (3 credits)

This course provides an integrated view of space transportation systems and developing systems to plan and manage infrastructure in space throughout its lifecycle. Students shall examine launch and transportation systems design, development, testing, and manufacturing; creating operations concepts; remote sensing; types and functions of infrastructures; infrastructure design, development, and refurbishment; performance modelling; failure analysis and reliability engineering; inspection and monitoring; maintenance and rehabilitation strategies; and lifecycle costs and applicable business cases.

EXP 502: Advanced Exploration Systems (3 credits)

This course examines the exploration of outer space and technologies that enable humans to settle the space frontier. Topics shall include advanced mission analysis; air-breathing; electromagnetic, fission, fusion, and antimatter propulsion; breakthrough propulsion physics; faster-than-light travel; non-rocket and hybrid launch systems; reusable spacecraft technology; satellites; telescopes; space habitats; space stations; rovers; drones; and applications using artificial intelligence.