Astronomy, Rocketry, and Space Science

In this course, you’ll learn the essentials of rocket science without needing advanced maths, building your confidence to discuss the private space industry versus agency-led missions and the risks of space tourism. Practical skills will be developed through solar or night time observations (weather permitting),

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to describe the night sky, understand historical beliefs about it, and explore where the private space industry is heading. This course introduces a variety of space science topics, with both traditional and modern perspectives. There will be a focus on diverse scientific backgrounds and viewpoints.

Topics explore in this course:

• How different cultures viewed the night sky, including constellations and myths
• Advances in observing the night sky through telescope innovations
• Types of stars, galaxies, and an overview of our solar system
• Uses for space images and data
• Fundamentals of rocket science
• An exploration of global space agencies
• Exoplanets, exobiology, exochemistry, and exomedicine
• The emerging fields of space tourism and private space travel

Filed trips are included in this course to consolidate your learning.