An introduction to a range of topics in space studies including: an overview of planetary science, stellar evolution and the history of the universe; a brief view of the history of national and international activities, an examination of the fundamentals of space flight and human activity in space, a review of some of the current problems and issues in the space arena, and a projection of the future course of space activities in the coming decades.

This is a required course for an undergraduate minor in space studies.

This course is not eligible for graduate credit.

Textbook - Required: National Geographic Encyclopedia of Spaceby Linda K. Glover. 2004 Edition, published by National Geographic.  ISBN-10: 0792273192; ISBN-13: 978-0792273196

Revolutionary advances have occurred in astronomy, the Earth sciences and planetary science as a result of our entry into space. This course surveys the manned and robotic space missions which have gathered data for this new view of the Universe.  This course introduces current concepts in cosmological theory as well as an overview of planetary evolution, solar system dynamical processes and physical characteristics of the planets. 

Pre-requisite: SpSt 200 or consent of instructor.

This course is not eligible for graduate credit.

This course introduces students to the history of human endeavors in space. These include the development of rocketry, the influence of amateur societies and science fiction, the military development of ballistic missiles, and human and robotic spaceflight.

Pre-requisite: SpSt 200 or HIST 102 or 104, or consent of the instructor.

This course is not eligible for graduate credit.

SpSt 270: History of the Space Age

Typical Course Outline

1.       Introduction/Space Rationale/Space History Periods

2.       Science Fiction/Exploration/Tempest

3.       Frontiers/Forbidden Planet

4.       Visionaries

5.       Melies/Aelita/FIM

6.       Pioneers

7.       Flash Gordon

8.       Rumors of War, Shape of Things to Come

9.       WW2 and the V2 (A4)

10.   Nukes

11.   Day the Earth Stood Still, Duck & Cover

12.   Space Cadets

13.   Disney/DM/Conquest

14.   ICBMs

15.   Sputnik

16.   Sputnik Declassified

17.   Launch Vehicles

18.   A Point in Time

19.   Apollo

20.   Shadow of the Moon

21.   Space Science

22.   Space Applications

23.   2001/Strangelove

24.   Shuttle

25.   Station

26.   Orphans of Apollo

27.   Globalization

28.   Mars

29.   Mars Underground

30.   Wrap-up

Items in bold are videos: mostly science fiction in the first half of the course, mostly documentaries in the second half of the course.

Required Textbook:  "Space and the American Imagination" by Howard McCurdy. 2011 Edition published by Johns Hopkins University Press, ISBN: 978-0801898686  Paperback

Recommended Textbook: "This New Ocean: The Story of the First Space Age" by William Burrows. 1999 edition published by Modern Library. ISBN: 978-0375754852  Paperback

This is a multidisciplinary course that will examine the rationales for a wide variety of space exploration and development activities.  Topics will include human space flight, space science missions, military and commercial space activities, space resource utilization, and the benefits and problems that society derives from these activities.  The socio-economic, socio-political and multi-cultural impact of space activities--- nationally and globally---will be discussed and debated with the goal of providing students with a broad perspective of the varying effects of space activities on modern society.

Pre-requisite: SpSt 200 or consent of instructor.

Textbooks - ALL REQUIRED:

1 - The American Congress, Steven S. Smith, Jason M. Roberts, Ryan J. Vander Wielen, ISBN-10: 1107654351 ISBN-13: 978-1107654358 Paperback

2 - Spaceflight and the Myth of Presidential Leadership, Roger D. Launius, Howard E. McCurdy, ISBN-10: 0252066324 | ISBN-13: 978-0252066320 Paperback

3 - Emerging Space Powers:  The New Space Programs of Asia, the Middle East and South America by Brian Harvey, Henk H. F. Smid, Theo Priard  ISBN-10: 1441908730  ISBN-13: 978-1441908735 Paperback

This course provides a broad introduction to dinosaurs and an examination of the extra-terrestrial influence that appears to have led to their extinction, and which thus redirected the evolution of life on Earth.  Each of the major dinosaur groups, (theropods such at T. rex, sauropods such as Brontosaurus (Apatosaurus),  duckbills, armored dinosaurs such as Stegosaurus, horned dinosaurs such as Triceratops, etc.) is examined as well as their cousins in the air(pterosaurs) and sea (ichthyosaurs & plesiosaurs). The course reviews our current models of their origin, evolution, lifestyles, diet, reproductive behavior, and physiology.  We examine the data and reasoning that leads to and updates these models.  The course also places the dinosaurs in the context of Earth as a geologically evolving planet.  The various theories for the dinosaur extinction will be outlined and evaluated.  Learning tools include videos (both scientific and popular), dinosaur fossils, and scale models.

This course is not eligible for graduate credit.

Required Textbook: Dinosaurs: A Concise Natural History by David Fastovsky and David Weishampel

Cambridge University Press (2009)

ISBN 978-0-521-71902-5 (Paperback)

An examination of the National Aeronautics ad Space Administration (NASA).  NASA was formed in 1958 out of the existing National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA) and elements from the Army and Navy--but not the Air Force--space programs.  This course will examine the technologies, the history and the politics involved in each of the NASA elements--including the one "new" center not inherited from earlier organizations: the Johnson Space Center in Houston. This course will conclude with a picture of NASA today.

Pre-requisite: SpSt 200 or consent of instructor

No Required Textbook.

Recommended Textbooks:

NASA: A History of the Civil Space Program by Roger Launius (paperback) Published by Krieger. ISBN-13: 978-0894647277

Orders of Magnitude: History of the NACA and NASA, 1915-1990
by Roger Bilstein (paperback) Published by U.S. Gov't Printing July 1989.  ISBN-13: 978-0160042591

Technical course; Sub-discipline: Space Engineering

A team design project to develop the requirements for a space mission. The specific mission will vary from time to time. Design teams will work on selected portions of the mission. Accompanying lectures will provide background material. 

An educational background that includes trigonometry and vector algebra is strongly recommended.

Prerequisite for undergraduates is SpSt 200 or consent of the instructor.

Graduate students registering for this course will require a special permission number obtained from Bev Fetter to over-ride a missing undergraduate pre-req.

Required Textbook: "Space Mission Analysis and Design", by James R. Wertz & Wiley J. Larson, 3rd Edition, ISBN: 1-881883-10-8 Paperback

Suggested Textbook: "Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics +website" by Jerry Sellers, 3rd Edition by Learning Solutions. ISBN-13: 978-0077230302 Hardcover

Technical Course; Sub-discipline: Space Engineering

NOTE: This course was previously offered as SpSt 500 intro to Orbital Mechanics - DO NOT REPEAT

This course introduces students who have a modest background in mathematics and physics to the relevant topics and problems pertaining to the orbital motion of spacecraft.  The course gives students an ability to understand and converse, as managers and co-workers, with those individuals who are performing the oftentimes mathematically intensive computations necessary for precise orbit determination.  In addition, orbit design and its impact on the other areas of astronautical engineering are considered in this course.

Pre-requisite: MATH 105 or 107 or the equivalent.

Instructor: Dr. Ron Fevig

Technical course; Sub-discipline: Space Engineering

This course looks at the problems of controlling spacecraft in Earth Orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO) and in solar/planetary orbits.  The course will look at sensors, actuators, and dynamics.  Specific examples will be chosen among spin-stabilized, biased-momentum, and zero-momentum systems.  Attitude control will be the primary area of concern, but orbit control will also be addressed.  There will be a very brief introduction to classical control theory and modern control theory.

Prerequisites: MATH 166 & ENGR 202 or PHYS 251.

Instructor: Dr. David Whalen

Technical course; Sub-discipline: Space Engineering

This course looks at the problems of space communications in Earth Orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO) and in solar/planetary orbits.  The course will cover receivers, transmitters, and antennas.  Students will understand the constraints imposed on all of these by the space environment, cost, and constraints on spacecraft (e.g., power) and the launch vehicles available (e.g., mass).  Emphasis will be on the ability of the student to estimate link budgets.  These link budgets will address maximizing throughput and minimizing cost (e.g., power, bandwidth) by varying modulation (BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK) and coding (FEC ½, ¾, and turbo codes).

Prerequisite: MATH 166.

Instructor: Dr. David Whalen

Technical course; Sub-discipline: Human Factors

A review of the physiological effects of living in space including a discussion of current and near-term life support systems for the provision of oxygen, water, food, and radiation protection. In addition, a review will be made of the issues associated with the development of fully closed ecological life support systems, which will be essential to the long-term development of space. 

An educational background that includes algebra and probability & statistics is recommended.

Undergraduate prerequisite is SpSt 200 or consent of the instructor.

Graduate students registering for this course will require a special permission number obtained from Bev Fetter to over-ride a missing undergraduate pre-req.

COURSE TOPICS

Space environments & hazards

            Space environments physics/chemistry & physiological effects

Life Support (LS) goals & requirements for human subjects in space

Primary LS elements and systems for space

            Air supply and revitalization

            Water purification technologies

            Food supplies & preservation

Environmental Control (EC) in space

            Temperature & humidity control

            Microbiology of space flight

            Space debris & physical hazards

            Radiation

Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) and space suit design principles    

Human physiology and its adaptations to space, Space Adaptation Syndrome (SAS)

            Respiratory function and oxygen demands

            Heart & blood vessels in space

            Muscular – skeletal systems

            Orientation & balance in space

            Blood & immune systems

Psychological conditions of space flight

            Artificial environments & Habitability Concept

Advanced scenarios of life support in space

            Plants in space & Closed Ecological Systems (CES) for life support

TEXTBOOKS:

Required:
1-Spaceflight Life Support and Biospherics by Peter Eckhart. Publisher: Kluwer. 1996 Edition, ISBN-13: 978-1881883043 Paperback

2-Fundamentals of Space Life Sciences by Suzanne Churchill et al. Publisher: Krieger. 1997 Edition, ISBN-13: 0894640518 Hardcover

Technical Course; Sub-discipline: Applications

This course provides an introduction to observational astronomy and includes three segments:  basic observing techniques and astronomical equipment (telescopes, CCDs); visual observing and the characteristics of the night sky; astrometric and photometric observing, data reduction, and interpretations; and image processing and color imaging techniques.  Students will learn to operate a remotely controllable Internet telescope and CCD camera.  A broadband Internet connection is recommended.  Night observing is required.

Prerequisites: Physics 110; competent algebra and trigonometry skills; knowledge of fundamental calculus is helpful, but not required. SPST 420 and/or SPST 520 are recommended.

Additional course fee of $100 assessed to cover required software.

This course may also require additional software to be purchased after the class starts. Ordering instructions will be posted on the class syllabus.

Graduate students registering for this course may require a special permission number obtained from Bev Fetter to over-ride a missing undergraduate pre-req.

Textbooks Required:

1-Handbook of CCD Astronomy; by Howell, 2nd Ed 2006-Cambridge Univ. Press, ISBN: 0-521-61762-6

2-To Measure the Sky: An Introduction to Observational Astronomy by Frederick R. Chromey, Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 978-0-521-74768-4

3-A Practical Guide to Lightcurve Photometry ad Analysis; by B. Warner, 2nd Ed-Springer, ISBN: 0-387-29365-5

Technical Course; Sub-discipline: Planetary Science

This course begins with a review of key concepts in the physical sciences of geology, meteorology, and oceanography to examine the coupled interactions between the land, atmosphere and oceans. Particular emphasis is placed on remote sensing techniques for global monitoring of biogeochemical processes.  The role of human activities on Earth processes and the consequences of global environmental changes are discussed. The growing use of space-based date sets and the implications of Earth Observing System technologies, including research goals and hardware requirements, are examined.

This course should be considered as part of a sequence with SpSt 435 Global Change and is best taken before 435.

Undergraduate prerequisite is SpSt 200 or consent of the instructor.

Graduate students registering for this course may require a special permission number obtained from Bev Fetter to over-ride a missing undergraduate pre-req.

Technical Course; Sub-discipline: Planetary Science

The current human population represents something unprecedented in the history of the world. Never before has one species had such a great impact on the environment in such a short time and continued to increase at such a rapid rate. Human activities are therefore significantly influencing the Earth's environment in many ways in addition to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Anthropogenic changes to Earth's land surfaces, oceans, coasts, and atmosphere and to biological diversity, the water cycle and biogeochemical cycles are clearly identifiable beyond natural variability. This course investigates the many facets of global change issues, and attempts to provide an up-to-date introduction to the study of the Earth's environment.

Required Textbook: Environmental Science – Earth as a Living Planet. 2009. 7^th Edition, by Daniel B. Botkin and Edward A. Keller. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN-13:978-0-470-118559

Technical Course; Sub-disclipline: Space Engineering or Management

NOTE: This course was previously offered as SpSt 570 Advanced Topics in Space Studies: Quality Engineering for the Space Industry - DO NOT REPEAT

This course addresses the principles and techniques for establishing quality goals, identification of customer needs and requirements, measurement of quality, and product/process engineering to improve system performance with a focus on the space industry.  The course covers the principles and practice of quality and reliability engineering in general and the quality assurance concepts, strategies, and tools practiced in the space industry. 

Pre-requisite: MATH 321

Instructor: Dr. James Casler

Required Textbook:

"Introduction to Statistical Quality Control" by Douglas C. Montgomery, 7th Edition. Publisher: John Wiley & Sons ISBN: 978-1-118-14681-1 (hdcvr)

Social Course; Sub-discipline: Policy

This course will introduce students to the major governmental Space Programs around the world. The history, activities and future directions of the Russian/Soviet, European/ESA, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and other space programs will be explored. International collaborations between the various programs will also be studied.

Undergraduate prerequisite is SpSt 200 or consent of the instructor.

Graduate students registering for this course may require a special permission number obtained from Bev Fetter to over-ride a missing undergraduate pre-req.

Instructors: Pablo de Leon; Vadim Rygalov, David Whalen

Space Studies 450: International Space

Typical Course Content

Week 1: Intro (DJW)

Week 2-4: Europe (PdL)

Week 5-7: Russia (VR)

Week 8-10: China (DJW)

Week 11-12: India (DJW)

Week 13-14: Japan (DJW)

Week 15: Other

Week 16: Wrap-up (All)

Recommended textbook: "Emerging Space Powers: The New Space Programs of Asia, the Middle East and South America" by Brian Harvey et al. Published by Springer. Paperback: ISBN-13: 978-1441908735 1st Edition

Technical course; Sub-discipline: Planetary Science

This course examines the evolution of the universe from its origin to the present:  cosmological evolution, chemical evolution, plantary evolution, biological evolution, and cultural evolution. The possibility of life in the universe elsewhere than Earth is considered.  Human changes to the Earth are placed within this context.

SpSt 501 and/or SpSt 420 are recommended as pre-requisites if student has no astronomy or planetary geology background.

Undergraduate pre-requisite is SpSt 200 or consent of the instructor.

Graduate students registering for this course may require a special permission number obtained from Bev Fetter to over-ride a missing undergraduate pre-req.

SPST 460 – Life in the Universe

Topical Outline

Introduction to Course / Overview of Topics

Why do we care? / How do we search?

Measuring the Universe

Forming Stars and Molecules

How Star Operate

How Stars Die / Releasing “star-stuff”

Galaxies and Other Large Scale Structures

The Nature of Life (as we know it)

Early History of the Solar System

Timescale of Life on Earth

The Origin of Life on Earth

History of Life on Earth

Implications for Life Elsewhere

The Limits of Life / Life in Extreme Environments

Habitats for Life beyond Earth: Venus?

Habitats for Life beyond Earth: Geology of Mars

Habitats for Life beyond Earth: Mars & Europa?

How Unique is Earth?

Searching for Other Planetary Systems

Life beyond the Solar System

Extraterrestrial Civilizations: How many? How close?

How Diverse can Civilizations be?

Interstellar Spaceflight - Warp7, Mr. Sulu

Interstellar radio, SETI and Other Searches - Lucy!!!

UFOs and Space Visitors - “U” stands for unidentified

Are we alone? / Implications for the Human Future

Review and Overview

Required Textbook: UPDATED 11-21-11  "Life in the Universe" by Jeffrey Bennett and Seth Shostak, 3rd Edition.  paperback  ISBN-10: 0-321-68767-1  ISBN-13:  978-0-321-68767-8

Lecture, discussion and readings on specific topics of current interest. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different, up to a total of 6 credits.

Pre-requisite: SpSt 200 or consent of instructor.

This course is not eligible for graduate credit.

Directed student readings designed to develop advanced knowledge in a specific area.  A written report is required. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. 

Pre-requisites: SpSt 200 and or consent of instructor.

This course is not eligible for graduate credit.

An independent study project culminating in a paper on an approved topic in Space Studies.  Requires regular meetings with the instructor. 

Pre-requisites: SpSt 200, senior standing, 15 hours of Space Studies courses, and consent of instructor.

This course is not eligible for graduate credit.