Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics and Space Systems Engineering – Online Short Course 9 March 2027 - 11 March 2027 Online

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Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics and Space Systems Engineering – Online Short Course


Instructed by Teaching Science and Technology Inc. (TSTI)

  • From 9–11 March 2027 (3 5-Hour Days, 15 Hours Total, Class Dates: 9, 10, 11 March)
  • Daily from 12–5 p.m. Eastern Time (9 a.m.–2 p.m. Pacific Time)
  • Understanding Space is the ideal course for technical or non-technical professionals new to the space industry or who need a refresher on the fundamentals.
  • All students will receive an AIAA Certificate of Completion at the end of the course

OVERVIEW
This exciting, fast-paced 3-day course delivers the “big picture” of space missions from cradle to grave. Understanding Space is the ideal course for technical or non-technical professionals new to the space industry or who need a refresher on the fundamentals.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Gain Core Space Knowledge – Define and describe important astronautics terms and concepts
  • Comprehend space mission Capabilities, Trade-offs, and Limitations – Explain how and why space is used to provide capabilities on Earth
  • Apply Space Concepts to real-world problems – Calculate basic orbit and system parameters that drive mission scope and cost
  • Analyze Typical Space Problems – Compare and contrast different technical approaches for space missions
  • Synthesize concepts to Design a Space Mission – Design a space mission given some basic goals and objectives and develop a top-level project plan for it
  • Evaluate basic technical and programmatic space issues – Assess the technical merits of various space mission architectures
  • [Detailed Outline Below]

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Engineers, scientists, or managers either new to the space field or who want to broaden their understanding of the big picture of space systems and operations. It is the ideal course for technical or non-technical space professionals.

TESTIMONIALS
– “Best course I’ve ever taken!” – Boeing Engineer
– “I finally understand the big picture of what we do.” – NASA Scientist
– “Everyone in the space business should take this course.” – Lockheed Martin Engineer

COURSE FEES (Sign-In To Register)
– AIAA Member Price: $895 USD
– AIAA Student Member Price: $495 USD
– Non-Member Price: $1095 USD

Classroom Hours: 15 classroom hours / 1.5 CEU/PDH

Cancellation Policy:  A refund less a $50.00 cancellation fee will be assessed for all cancellations made in writing prior to 14 days before the start of the event. After that time, no refunds will be provided.

Contact:  Please contact Lisa Le or Customer Service if you have any questions about the course or group discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Series:
In Spring 2027, AIAA and TSTI are offering a series of courses focused on Space Systems Engineering. While courses are completely self-contained and can be taken on their own, those students wishing to deepen their knowledge may be interested in additional course study:

Outline

Space in Our Lives

  • Space in Our Lives
  • Elements of a Space Mission
  • A Brief History of Space
  • The Space Enterprise
  • Space Systems Engineering
  • Mission Management, Space Operations
  • Down to Earth Issues Exploring Space

Orbits & Trajectories

  • The Space Environment
  • Understanding Orbits
  • Describing & Using Orbits
  • Orbit Design
  • Orbit Maneuvering
  • Ascent and Re-entry

Space Systems

  • Payload and Spacecraft Design
  • Human Spaceflight
  • Spacecraft Subsystems
  • Rocket Science
  • Launch Vehicles
Materials
COURSE DELIVERY AND MATERIALS
Course Delivery
  • The course lectures will be delivered via a Zoom virtual classroom. Connection information will be provided to registrants near to the course start date.  Test your connection here: https://zoom.us/test
  • Classes will not be recorded so live attendance is necessary.
  • Between classes, the instructor will be available via email for technical questions and comments.

Materials

Each registrant will receive:
  • Interactive Course Learning App: More than a static handout, the online app combines the complete course presentation with searchable content, interactive engineering tools and calculators, videos and demonstrations, progress checks, bookmarks, and personal note-taking with Word export. Participants can explore concepts, visualize engineering tradeoffs, and quickly return to important material.
  • Continued Course Access: Participants will retain online access after the course, providing a convenient, interactive reference for future projects.
  • Courseware: Access to Innoslate, a cloud-based Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tool, with a free trial license.
  • Course materials and the learning app are provided solely to registered course participants. No part may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or shared without permission. All rights reserved.
Instructors

The course will be instructed by one or more of the aerospace systems experts from Teaching Science and Technology Inc. (TSTI):

Dr. Jerry Jon Sellers, is the author of Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics, and is a contributing author and editor of Applied Space Systems Engineering, author of the new chapter in ASSE on Applied Model-based Systems Engineering, as well as a contributing author of Human Spaceflight Analysis and Design. He has over 40 years of space systems experience including Guidance & On-board Navigation Officer in Space Shuttle Mission Control; Assistant Professor of Astronautics at the U.S. Air Force Academy; and Chief of Astronautics for the Air Force European Office of Aerospace Research & Development. He is an Associate Fellow at AIAA and the former Chairman of the AIAA Space Systems Technical Committee. He is an elected member of the International Academy of Astronautics and is a Certified Scaled-Agile (SAFe) Program Consultant (SPC6). He is also an adjunct professor at Stevens Institute of Technology.

Dr. Peter Van Wirt is a former Deputy Department Head for Labs and Research of the Department of Astronautics at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has been a visiting lecturer for the Technical University of Delft’s SpaceTech Master’s Degree in Space Systems Engineering and is an Adjunct Professor for the Space Systems Engineering Master’s program at Stevens Institute of Technology. He also instructs at the National Security Space Institute in Colorado Springs, CO. He has served as a systems engineer/program manager for a variety of US Air Force engineering developments. Peter has over 30 years of aerospace engineering experience and over 20 years teaching experience. He earned his doctorate at Utah State University.

Dr. Bruce Chesley is an experienced space program manager and industry executive. He served as the Chief Strategist for a space system portfolio spanning human spaceflight, commercial satellites, and government space systems and he led the early development of a global broadband satellite constellation. He has also delivered advanced space systems and prototypes while serving in a variety of roles in program management, business development and engineering. His Air Force assignments included Air Force Space Command, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the USAF Academy where he was an Assistant Professor of Astronautics. He was elected to the International Academy of Astronautics in 2020 and serves as a Vice President on the Bureau of the International Astronautical Federation. He has published more than 20 technical papers and book chapters on satellite design and space systems engineering. He is also an adjunct professor at Stevens Institute of Technology.

 

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