Space Systems

Students enrolled in this Certificate Program will study the processes and methods to design spacecraft.

This program is guides students through the fundamentals of systems engineering as applied to space systems. Students will gain an understanding of development of space systems and subsystems, techniques and methodologies for scientific analysis and management across operations, systems, mechanical, software, and controls, along with risk assessment and mitigation planning.

Space Systems

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

SYS 500: Systems Engineering for Space (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.

SYS 501: Communication Systems (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.

SYS 502: Power and Propulsion (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.

SYS 503: Independent Study – Space Systems (3 credits)

Independent study courses are student initiated projects, open to Kepler Space Institute students, which allow students to work one-on-one with a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member will develop a learning plan for the semester within the first week of term. Enrollment is limited.