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Accessibility statement
Qualification dates
StartEnd
30 Jan 2027Oct 2027
Spacecraft missions are vital in exploring the solar system and the more distant universe. This module introduces the methods of conducting scientific measurements in the space environment and the technologies behind spacecraft and space missions. It extensively uses online remote experiments and facilities to develop your practical scientific skills and allow you to engage in collaborative team-working activities that are the hallmark of spacecraft operations. The module is good preparation for further academic research in space science and develops skills and knowledge relevant to employment in the space sector.
This module extensively uses real space missions to highlight the challenges of spaceflight and illustrate the diversity of topics encompassed by space science. Four in-depth case studies follow an introductory section covering the basic concepts of spaceflight and spacecraft design. These consider science topics in lunar and planetary exploration and space-based astronomy. You’ll see how science goals translate into the engineering requirements of spacecraft and their operation. Online practical work supports each case study – for example, using a robotic telescope to observe variable stars or a microscope to study hypervelocity impacts on spacecraft materials.
Throughout the module, there’s an emphasis on developing skills relevant to research in space science and employment in the space sector. You’ll analyse and present spacecraft data using the Python programming language. You’ll develop your team-working skills through a simulated mission to explore and investigate a Martian landscape using the OpenSTEM Laboratory’s Mars yard and rover. With support from your tutor, you’ll also develop a case for a small spacecraft based on your ideas and interests, which must meet the exacting demands of a real space mission.
You should typically have
We’ll ask you to prove you have this when you register. We will, however, consider applications from non-graduates with other relevant qualifications or experience.
We don’t require you to have previously studied space science or astronomy.
Are you ready for S818?
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
For this module, we may use an assessment verification process to meet the requirements of relevant accrediting, professional, statutory or regulatory bodies. As part of this process, you may be asked to attend a short post-assessment video discussion, lasting around 15 minutes. During the discussion, you’ll need to show a photo ID and talk through your answers to a small number of questions with a tutor or a member of the module team. The discussion is not graded and is only used to confirm that you completed the assessment yourself.
Study materials are all online and provided through the module website, which includes:
Some online components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader (mathematical and scientific materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way). Other alternative formats of the module materials may be available in the future.
Due to our extensive use of external websites and third-party software, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all module components.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
Space science (S818) starts once a year – in January.
It will next start in January 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in January 2028.
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