Category: Courses
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Courses
STIA 4280: Habitable Planet Lab
This class explores the concept of extreme environments as a window into the potential habitability of other planets while also teaching students to look more closely at our own world. We will learn what types of environments on Earth are used as analogs for planetary exploration, and in what ways: testing rovers and instruments that will be sent into space, probing the limits of life at extremes of temperature, water availability, and salinity, and improving our methods of life detection. We will also practice the skill of close and careful observation, learning how to investigate Earth as though it were…
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Courses
STIA 4005: Foundations of Space Studies
From launching satellites that power global communications to exploring distant planets, space has become one of the most dynamic arenas of human activity. Today, it is shaped by strategic rivalries such as the U.S.–China competition, the rise of private launch companies, new missions to the Moon and Mars, and pressing debates over orbital debris and planetary defense. Navigating these developments requires both technical understanding and an appreciation of international dynamics. Foundations of Space Studies introduces students to the scientific, economic, political, security, and ethical dimensions of outer space, highlighting the ways in which decisions on Earth set the course for…
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Courses
IPOL-3400: Space Security & Militarization of Space
The actor Mark Hamill, also known as Luke Skywalker, recently partnered with the Department of State to talk about living life in International Space Station. While this is an exciting time for innovation in space, Luke Skywalker had an energy-based weapon to destroy the Empire. Is that where we are heading? This course asks a series of questions, such as, is the threat to militarize space real? What does Security Studies have in its arsenal to explain the current threat environment in space? Can security dilemma explain the current arms race in space? Lastly, how effective are existing legal instruments,…
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Courses
LAW 406: Space Law Seminar
This seminar addresses current issues arising under international law related to outer space. Class discussion will include issues such as: liability for damage caused by space objects, use of outer space resources, rescue of astronauts and return of objects launched into outer space, environmental issues in outer space, and other more specific topics such as NASA and the International Space Station, commercial space operations, U.S. Government agencies involved in outer space, and the role of the United Nations in outer space. Course information
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Courses
ERTH 3360/ENIA 5010: Environmental Remote Sensing
This course explores the world of imagery and other data captured by satellites, and how those data are used to understand, monitor, and protect our planet. Geographic information system (GIS) tools such as ArcGIS, R, and Google Earth Engine will be used to analyze datasets and create maps and other visualizations. Particular focus will be placed on the current, historical, and potential applications of remote sensing data. Course information
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Courses
SEST-6752: National Security Space Policy and Technology
Want to learn about the newest warfighting domain and a central arena of great power competition? This course will examine how spacepower contributes to U.S. national and international security, the key space policy issues facing the United States, and the factors that influence national security space decision-making. We will begin with an overview of the space environment and how the use of space has evolved. We will review and contrast U.S. national security space policies – past and present – in the context of technology advancements and a changing international security landscape. We will examine decision-making entities, budgets, and processes…