Project Supervisors: Joseph Baker
vt.edu email address: jo.baker

Project Description:

Modern society is becoming increasingly reliant on the deployment of technological assets in space. Examples include: communications, navigation, weather forecasting, and resource management - to name just a few. The technological exploitation of the space environment presents unique challenges that cover the entire spectrum of science and engineering fields, necessitating a systems engineering approach. This course provides a broad introduction to the opportunities and challenges associated with the exploration and technological exploitation of space. Topics covered include: history of the space program; science of the space environment; space weather hazards; applications of space-based technologies; spacecraft engineering; elementary orbital mechanics; space mission design and management. The course is open to students in all majors and has no pre-requisites.