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.
The module is particularly relevant for students seeking employment not just in space science research, but more generally in the space sector. Particular strengths of this module are that it develops skills in the quantitative analysis of science and engineering data obtained from spacecraft, and requires students to have a good understanding of spacecraft systems. This module is particularly relevant to employment in roles concerned with acquiring, handling and interpreting data obtained by space-based instrumentation.
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:
Study materials are all online and provided through the module website, which includes:
Set books:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
S818 is a compulsory module in our:
S818 is an option module in our:
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.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
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?
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.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 30 Jan 2027 | 31 Oct 2027 | 14 Jan 2027 | Not yet available* |
| *This start date is open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed. We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information on the 25th of March. |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
