An introduction to the science of space and space exploration. Topics covered include history of spaceflight, rockets, orbits, the space environment, satellites, remote sensing, and the future human presence in space. The mathematics will be at the level of algebra and trigonometry.

Course Objectives

• Introduce students to the science of space exploration and the space environment.
• In this context, increase their familiarity with scientific methods of analyzing systems and solving problems.
• Lead the students to understand and appreciate the excitement of space exploration and understanding the space environment

Course Outcomes

• General, qualitative familiarity by the students with the science of space exploration and the space environment.
• In this context, increased familiarity with scientific methods of analyzing systems and solving problems.
• The broad education necessary to understand the impact of science and technology in a societal context
• Improved ability to engage in life-long learning about science and engineering
• Greater knowledge of contemporary issues relating to space exploration and the space environment

Contents

• Week la: History
  • History of Spaceflight
• Week lb: Propulsion
  • Basics of Propdsion
  • Reaction Engines
  • Advanced propulsion systems
• Week 2a: Orbits
  • Types of orbits
  • Orbital Maneuvering
• Week 2b: Space Environment I
  • The Sun
  • The solar wind
  • Solar explosions
• Week 3a: Space Environment II
  • The Earth
  • Magnetosphere
  • Radiation Belts
  • Ionosphere
• Week 3b: Space Environment III
  • Space Weather
  • Coronal mass ejections
  • Proton events
  • Geomagnetic storms
• Week 4a: Satellites
  • Types of satellite orbits
  • Satellite functions
• Week 4b: Remote sensing
  • Electromagnetic radiation
  • Spectral bands and resolution
  • Types of remote sensing
• Week 5a: Exploring the solar system
  • Moon
  • Mars
  • Other planets
• Week 5b: Astronomy from space
  • Hubble Space Telescope
  • Chandra X-ray observatory
  • Other systems
• Week 6a: Space vehicles
  • Older rockets
  • Space shuttle
  • Spaceship One
  • The Future
• Week 6b: Living and working in space
  • The environment.
  • Gravity and weightlessness
  • The technology of working in space
  • The dangers
• Week 7a: Space stations and space colonies
  • Long-term survival in space
  • Long-term survival on planets
• Week 7b: Is there life out there?
  • Fundamentals for Life
  • The Drake equation

Assessment Tools

• Regular homework problems
• Exams

Books

• Introduction to Space: The Science of Spaceflight,
  Author: Thomas D. Damon Publisher: Kriegler Publishing Company Third Edition, 2001
  ISBN: 0-89464-065-8

Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in ASTRO 101, 115, 120, 130, or 160

Three lectures and a two-hour evening laboratory section each week. Lectures deal with such topics as the sun, planets, earth-moon system, comets, and asteroids, including information obtained from recent space probes. Also telescopes, time and the seasons, origin of the solar system and of life. The laboratories and discussions feature planetarium demonstrations, observations with telescopes, astronomical photography, and student-inspired dialogue. Two years of high-school mathematics or equivalent are recommended.

Advisory Prerequisite: A basic high school math and science background.

Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in ASTRO 102, 120, 130, or 160

Three lectures and a two-hour evening laboratory section each week. Lectures deal with such topics as the properties and evolution of stars, interstellar luminous nebulae, and recent discoveries involving galaxies, quasars, and black holes in space. Also the present state of our knowledge regarding the origin and ultimate fate of the universe and possibilities of finding and communicating with life outside the solar system. The laboratories and discussions feature planetarium demonstrations, observation with telescopes, astronomical photography, and student-inspired dialogue. Two years of high school mathematics or equivalent are recommended.

This course consists of individual reading and study in astronomy under the guidance of the instructor.

Advisory Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

For students in astronomy who are prepared to undertake a limited research project under the guidance of a member of the staff of the Department of Astronomy. Open to qualified students in other departments subject to approval by concentration advisors and members of the staff of the Department of Astronomy.

Advisory Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

A course on problems in astronomy. Content varies by term and instructor.

Advisory Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor.

Research in theoretical astrophysics. The universe displays a wonderful diversity of structure spanning an enormous range of scales in mass, length, and time. The physical character and dynamic history of many of these astrophysical systems — stars, galaxies, the entire Universe — are not fully understood. Michigan theoretical astrophysicists are working to improve our understanding of how the Universe, and the structures within it, came to be. Topics of interest include development of the early Universe, inflation, formation of galaxies and clusters of galaxies, star formation and cosmology, and dynamics of astrophysical fluids. Much work is guided by observations from optical telescopes, such as the Michigan-Dartmouth-MIT telescope, as well as several NASA missions.

Advisory Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor.

Using large telescope facilities, research is done in observational astrophysics at the two 6.5 m telescopes of the Magellan Project at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, the 2.4-m Hiltner and 1.3-m McGraw-Hill telescopes of the MDM Observatory in Arizona, and the 26 m radio telescope at Peach Mountain Observatory near Ann Arbor.

Advisory Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor.

Election for dissertation work by doctoral student not yet admitted as a Candidate.

Advisory Prerequisite: Election for dissertation work by doctoral student not yet admitted as a Candidate. Graduate standing.

Graduate School authorization for admission as a doctoral Candidate. N.B. The defense of the dissertation (the final oral examination) must be held under a full term Candidacy enrollment period.

Enforced Prerequisites: Graduate School authorization for admission as a doctoral Candidate