Master of Science in Space Studies-Capstone Option

CORE COURSE: MUST BE TAKEN AS ONE OF THE STUDENT’S FIRST TWO COURSES. This course is designed to build the student's ability to organize and conduct research in the space studies discipline, and to enable the student to present findings in a clear, concise, coherent manner. It is devoted to thinking about research logically, creatively, critically, structurally and scientifically. Course material covers qualitative research designs, theory building, role of argumentation in presenting a research report (thesis), as well as describing and analyzing quantitative variables. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED COLLEGE ALGEBRA BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE

CORE COURSE: MUST BE TAKEN AS ONE OF THE STUDENT’S FIRST TWO COURSES. This course evaluates space programs and operations and their meaning for future international and national economic and national security. The course will provide an overview of major policy, program, scientific, and technical issues in space for the non-scientist.

CORE COURSE: What is an orbit? How does a spacecraft fly to the Moon or Mars? What does NORAD use to track all of the satellites currently in orbit around Earth? How does a spacecraft move from one orbit to another? These questions and more are answered in this course. From Kepler and Newton to the modern telecommunications, navigation, and remote sensing spacecraft, knowledge of orbital mechanics is essential for the modern Space Manager to be able to plan future space missions and to converse with orbital analysts that perform the day-to-day calculations determining IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED COLLEGE ALGEBRA BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE. Prereq: SPST500 and SPST501

Pre Reqs: Research Methods in Space Studies(SPST500),Introduction to Space Studies(SPST501)

CORE COURSE: Earth orbiting remote sensing satellites play a key role in the lives of human beings. This course is a study of the major components of contemporary remote sensing satellites, the various methods of remote sensing capability, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Course topics also include study of remote sensing orbits, launch vehicles, and technology. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED COLLEGE ALGEBRA BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE. Prereq: SPST500 and SPST501

Pre Reqs: Research Methods in Space Studies(SPST500),Introduction to Space Studies(SPST501)

CORE COURSE: This course is a study of the principles, architectures, technologies, management, economies, advantages, and disadvantages of satellite communications. Spacecraft launch vehicles, orbits, communications modulations, radio wave propagation, payload designs/types, and spacecraft bus and antenna types are all addressed. Students will learn to devise/formulate actual satellite communications link budgets and evaluate the impact of each variable used within the equation. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED COLLEGE ALGEBRA BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE. Prereq: SPST500 and SPST501

Pre Reqs: Research Methods in Space Studies(SPST500),Introduction to Space Studies(SPST501)

CORE COURSE: A review of the major stresses, tensions, and other physical and mental issues experienced by humans on entering in and living in space. Case studies from manned flights and other research will be provided. Students will study how the mental and physical issues may be addressed for future increased human activity in space. Prereq: SPST500 and SPST501

Pre Reqs: Research Methods in Space Studies(SPST500),Introduction to Space Studies(SPST501)

This course examines space law from its origins at the commencement of space exploration to current day activities, including civilian, commercial and military/governmental issues/rulings. The Outer Space Treaty, Registration Convention, Rescue and Return Agreement, Liability Convention, and the Moon Treaty will be covered in detail, as will several other past, standing and pending legal works. Prereq: SPST500 and SPST501

Pre Reqs: Research Methods in Space Studies(SPST500),Introduction to Space Studies(SPST501)

This course examines the exploration of the solar system with a focus on the methods used to explore the Sun, planets, moons, and small solar system bodies. Special emphasis is also placed on the space environment and its effects on current and future exploration activities. The threat of comet, asteroid, and meteoroid impacts on Earth will also be addressed. This course requires access to the web site MASTERING ASTRONOMY, and use of CLEA Labs, which are Windows only programs. If you are not using a Windows program, please verify that your system will be compatible with CLEA labs prior to registering for the course. The link for CLEA labs is http://www3.gettysburg.edu/~marschal/clea/CLEAhome.html

This course examines the study of stars and galaxies with special emphasis on the methods and instrumentation used in the exploration of the universe around us. Focus is also placed on cosmology, the study of the past, present, and possible future of the universe. (Prerequisite: SPST630). This course requires access to the web site MASTERING ASTRONOMY, and use of CLEA Labs, which are Windows only programs. If you are not using a Windows program, please verify that your system will be compatible with CLEA labs prior to registering for the course. The link for CLEA labs is http://www3.gettysburg.edu/~marschal/clea/CLEAhome.html

Pre Reqs: Planetary and Solar System Studies(SPST630)

This course examines the Moon in a systematic way, including the current theory of the origin of the Moon and processes such as impact cratering, volcanism, and tectonics. A detailed review of past manned/unmanned lunar geological exploration findings will also be addressed, along with critical aspects of lunar geology relevant to the return of humankind to the Moon.

This course examines the design and construction of astronomical instruments, including mechanical design and machining, optics and commensurate optical system design, and both real-time and near-real time computer control. UV, X-ray, and gamma-ray spectrum instrumentation will also be addressed.

Preparation for the Master of Science in Space Studies Thesis begins on day one of a student's graduate program of study. The theories, research methods, analytical skills, and substantive knowledge obtained through the Space Studies curriculum provide the basis for the thesis project. In this 16 week course, instructors guide students through the thesis process. Students are expected to submit all required components of the research process, including a thesis proposal. The thesis proposal must provide a clear description of a contestable question or problem and a proposed method of answering the question or solving the problem. The thesis requires students to present an original argument using proper academic writing conventions including carefully documented primary and/or secondary sources. Guidance on the format of the thesis and proposal are contained in the APUS End of Program Manual. This course must be taken after all other courses in the program are complete. Capstone courses are NOT included in the university retake policy. All grades for any capstone attempts will appear on transcript and will be calculated in GPA