The world is rapidly changing, and advancements in space have a great deal to with these changes. We need a new breed of scholar devoted to understanding the political, economic, commercial, and operational issues associated with space. Space studies program will ground the student in the fundamental scientific knowledge that the study of space demands.
Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning outcomes objectives, the Master of Science in Space Studies also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates. With reference to each of the respective areas of space studies, graduates in this degree program will be able to: Advanced Research and Analysis - Conduct quantitative and qualitative research and statistical analysis of data related to the support of space exploration and sustained flight.
- Analyze the concepts for placing manned and unmanned vehicles in space.
- Assess scientific principles and calculate problems related to space science and exploration.
- Calculate the responses of living systems to space flight.
Scientific Investigations - Assess the laws of planetary motion and gravitation, illustrating the effects that gravity has on two-body mechanics, and analyze spacecraft maneuvers including transfer orbits and rendezvous.
- Analyze general chemical rocket propellant performance and categorize applicable liquid and solid rocket fundamentals including propellants, combustion principles, components, and general turbo-pump, and motor design.
National and International Security - Assess the institutions of space law and determine how these institutions affect applications such as remote sensing, communications, navigation, launch services, satellite exports, and arms control.
- Distinguish organizations that are critical to the success of the technological advance of space infrastructure in the United States.
- Evaluate the political and commercial significance of major national and international space missions, projects, and operations.
- Appraise the dynamics that influenced the development of nuclear policies and strategies and how those forces evolved over time.
- Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of a space control versus a space denial strategy, and how each fits into the national strategy of an ally or adversary
- Estimate the evolving capabilities and vulnerabilities of space command and control systems related to strategic nuclear weapons employment, and how those capabilities and vulnerabilities influence strategy and targeting.
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