Bachelor of Science in Space Studies

This course investigates the concepts of college algebra. The course covers the concepts of algebra, graphing and solution of linear and quadratic equations, inequalities and the solution of systems of linear equations. The course is organized into four distinct parts. The first part of the course covers the basic concepts involved in graphing points and linear equations. The second part of the course investigates the solution and graphing of inequalities and systems of linear equations. The third part of the course concentrates on the manipulation and use of exponential expressions and radicals. The final part of the course considers the solution of quadratic equations and their applications. Practical applications are provided throughout the course. Throughout the course, there is careful attention to the presentation of concepts that will become important in the study of analytic geometry, trigonometry and calculus. While there are no pre-requisites for MATH110, the course assumes the student has completed MATH101 Introduction to College Algebra or an equivalent course and is completely comfortable with the language of algebra, equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, and rational expressions.

This is a course in college trigonometry. It builds on earlier college algebra courses such as MATH110, extends the students' studies to trigonometry, and introduces topics in analytical geometry. Practical applications are provided throughout the course. The course begins by reviewing methods of graphing and solving linear and quadratic functions as well as techniques for solving polynomials. It then concentrates on various trigonometric functions, identities and equations as well as the application of trigonometry to real-life situations. The final part of the course includes exponential and logarithmic functions as well as selected topics in analytic geometry including polar coordinates and the conic sections. While there are no pre-requisites for MATH111, the course assumes the student has completed MATH110 College Algebra or an equivalent course.

This course offers an introduction to classical physics for non-scientists. Students will learn to apply Newtonian principles to the fundamental topics of motion, gravitation, momentum, work and energy, heat, wave behavior, sound and light, electricity and magnetism. Basic algebra is used to demonstrate how mathematics can describe and predict the real-world behavior of objects, from electrons to planets. Students will be expected to relate physics principles to their daily lives. The Physics lab teaches students how to take measurements and make observations about physical phenomena, make calculations, and test out their own reasoning. Topics covered in this lab course range from motion to magnetism. This course also involves study through interactive simulation laboratories designed to help reinforce and build upon the concepts presented in the lecture portion of the course.

This course will introduce students to the wonders of the universe. Topics will include deciphering the motions of objects in the sky, learning how astronomers decode the light coming to us from distant objects, exploring the Earth and other bodies in our solar system, and investigating the properties and structure of stars, galaxies, and the universe itself. Students will be encouraged to develop conceptual understanding of these topics beyond memorization of facts. In the laboratory component, students will engage in astronomical inquiry using online tools to learn how astronomers work: by asking research questions, collecting data, and defending evidence-based conclusions. While the course is conceptual in nature, students should expect to use some mathematics. Completion of at least college algebra prior to taking this course is highly recommended.

REQUIRED FIRST COURSE before taking any 300 or 400 series core or major course in the BS in Aerospace. Space studies, by its very nature, is an interdisciplinary subject. These various disciplines will be surveyed in this course, at a level appropriate for the non-specialist, including the space environment, policy, astrodynamics, systems design, technologies, business and management, law, applications, physical and life sciences, and space and society. This course provides a foundation for more in-depth study of these areas. PREREQ: MATH111

Pre Reqs: College Trigonometry(MATH111)

Students in this course assess the major aspects of space flight. The course covers space flight from early rocketry through the development of satellite navigation, meteorology, and telecommunications, up to human space flight. Course topics also include: rocket propulsion, basic orbital mechanics, the space environment, living and working in space, and an overview of non-U.S. space programs. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

Asteroids, meteorites and comets, the leftover material from the formation of our solar system, are all key to understanding its origin. The composition, history and interrelationships of these objects will be covered, as well as their influence on the Earth and other bodies, and what they tell us about the early solar system. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

This course is a history of human activity in space and includes rocketry, space associations, voluntary organizations, human flight, unmanned flight, satellites, science-fiction, and ballistic missiles. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

This course addresses the United States organization for space operations, to include exploration, satellite operations, military purposes, and research and development. Included in the organization will be the linkages between governmental and non-governmental enterprises in or dealing with space. The course will also briefly address comparative organizations for space as witnessed in other industrialized nations. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

Students taking this course compute and calculate satellite orbits, planetary orbits, solar system orbits, and other essential space orbits. Designed for the non-scientist student, this course provides a fundamental understanding of how orbital mechanics works in space. (Prerequisites: MATH111 and SPST300).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300),College Trigonometry(MATH111)

This course evaluates the physical and psychological effects of spaceflight on humans, countermeasures for both short- and long-duration spaceflight, and discussions of human factors in spacecraft engineering. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

This course assesses the various aspects of policy surrounding space activities and investigates how space policy evolves from historical contexts through policy outcomes, including law, commerce, the environment, international cooperation, and national security. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

This course elaborates on Space Station flight operations, its supporting elements and planned systems. Students will study commercial applications, logistical support, maintenance and servicing design concepts. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

Orbital satellites and spacecraft are discussed according to their application, design and environment. The power system, shielding and communication systems are reviewed along with their missions, space environment and limitations. This course elaborates on Space Station flight operations, its supporting elements and planned systems. Students will study commercial applications, logistical support, maintenance and servicing design concepts. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

This course is a summary of U.S. and international space programs. The student will assess the Earth and its space environment, to include methods of scientific exploration and spacecraft and payload criteria at the basic physics level. This course elaborates on Space Station flight operations, its supporting elements and planned systems. Students will study commercial applications, logistical support, maintenance and servicing design concepts. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

This course evaluates Space Transportation Systems (STS) including manned space flight operations, supporting systems and the Space Shuttle mission, both present and future. Included are manned space flight operations, supporting systems and the Space Shuttle mission, both present and future. A review of Space Shuttle flight profiles, guidance and navigation control, proximity operations and rendezvous and a brief review of hypersonic orbiter aerodynamics are included. Also covered are future STS applications to space station logistical operations, commercial applications and Department of Defense operations. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

Weaponizing space and deploying a missile defense shield are two subjects that have inspired a great deal of controversy in the realm of military space and national defense. This course will discuss the historical development and deployment of anti-satellite and missile defense systems through the recent Ballistic Missile Defense system and exploration of Space Control technologies. Also covered will be the politics and policy that have governed these systems including the role of the United Nations and the international debate of fielding such systems. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

The relatively new science of space weather has significant influence on both the space program, and our increasingly technology-dependent society. Space weather is largely the result of solar activity, including sunspots, solar wind and solar flares and their interaction with the Earth's magnetic field. This course will discuss this Sun-Earth connection, its implications for both Earth-bound and space activities, and the current state of space weather study and prediction.(Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

This course reviews the historical significance and discoveries made by astronomers ranging from the early Greeks and Mayans through the discoveries of recent times using modern techniques and tools such as the Hubble Space Telescope. As both a history class and a science class, this course bridges the two by examining the interconnection of the events and people involved in astronomy through the ages as well as analyzing the observations that have formed the core of humanity's effort to understand and describe what we see around us. The majority of the course materials are primary sources, as students will read many of the original papers that have brought us to our current understanding of the universe. A major component of this course is learning to interpret history for different audiences in a wide variety of writing assignments.

An opportunity for Aerospace students to pursue an independent research project or examine a specific area of Aerospace under the mentorship of a single professor. Course is open to upper division students only. Participation is at the discretion of the faculty member. The course will typically involve six or more professor contacts and produce a major research paper (30+ pages); there will be no examination. Students will submit a proposal prior to the start of the project, and a rough draft of the paper at week 10, both of which will count toward the final grade. To be eligible for an independent study, students must be enrolled in a bachelors degree program, must have completed 24 hours at APUS toward their current degree program, and should have already contacted a professor and gained approval for the independent study topic. Once these conditions are met the student should contact his/her academic advisor. Once the course is open the student must complete an official online registration for the course.

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for undergraduate study in the online environment. Students will be introduced to learning theory, the tools available in the online classroom and campus, and online research. Identification of personal learning style allows students to improve their study/learning techniques and prepares them to succeed in college level courses. Students will be introduced to formatting and citation styles. APUS policy and procedure is addressed. There is an emphasis on written communication to assist students in the transition to the online environment.

Analyses of specific issues will be conducted that will include a review of national space organizations, objectives in past, current, and future aerospace exploration/exploitation, Space Law, government/military and commercial space industrial programs, and examine future trends in space operations. Students will review and analyze the problem solving process with consideration for the economic, social benefit, and security implications of these decisions on national and global scales. This capstone course will provide students with the opportunity to complete an approved academic research exercise that demonstrates their knowledge of their selected field of study. This is a capstone course to be taken after all other Space Studies courses have been satisfactorily completed. Students must have SENIOR standing to enroll.