Why is it important to learn about outer space?

Space has long been thought of as “the final frontier,” an unimaginably vast realm for contemplation and exploration for humanity now that we have mapped, photographed, and claimed practically every inch of our home planet Earth. Learning about outer space can be an important source of inspiration for those interested in the structure of the universe as explained by astronomy and astrophysics, the quest to discover extraterrestrial life through the lenses of chemistry and astrobiology, or the technical feats of astronauts, satellites, and space telescopes exploring solar systems near and far. Space is also increasingly regarded as an important sector for business, with new possibilities emerging for low-cost satellite launches, mining and resource extraction of rare and valuable materials, and even space tourism. The burgeoning space industry includes giants like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin as well as prominent startups like SpaceX, Blue Horizon, and Rocket Labs, creating excellent opportunities in space for established businesses and entrepreneurs alike.

What kinds of careers can I pursue with a background in space?

Space offers incredibly exciting career paths for engineers and other professionals and entrepreneurs with ambitions to lead the way in expanding the frontiers of humanity. Engineers with expertise in the kinematics and other principles of spacecraft motion required to build satellites, spaceships, and missiles can find terrific work opportunities in the private sector as well as federal government agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , aerospace engineers earn a median annual salary of $116,500.

Can I learn about space by taking online courses on Coursera?

Absolutely. You can learn about a wide range of science and engineering topics on Coursera, including courses and Specializations spanning multiple courses on space. You can learn about physics, aerospace engineering, astrobiology, and other important topics for a career in space from top-ranked universities like the University of Arizona, University of Colorado Boulder, and University of Houston. And, since you can learn for a lower tuition cost than on-campus students, Coursera lets you build your knowledge of space without blowing your budget into the stratosphere.

How do I know if learning about space is right for me?

If you're fascinated by all things related to the cosmos or if the idea of a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and/or math) college curriculum makes your heart skip a beat, then space studies may be the perfect career path for you. The field of space studies welcomes all kinds of people including builders, fixers, analysts, researchers, and explorers.

What are common career paths for someone in space studies?

If you're up for a rigorous course of study, you can become an astronaut, a person trained to travel on a spacecraft. All crew members aboard a spacecraft have different jobs which include commander, astronaut pilot, mission specialist, payload specialist, and flight engineer. If you become an astronomer, you'll be using equipment like telescopes or space probes to study objects and phenomena within the cosmos like stars, planets, eclipses, and black holes. Then, you'll analyze the data you collect. If you become an astrophysicist, you'll focus on the study of time, space, matter, and energy and using the laws of physics to understand the universe. As an aerospace engineer, you'll be involved with the design and construction of aircraft and spacecraft, and as an avionics technician, you'll work with navigational and communications systems inside aircraft or spacecraft.

What types of places hire people with a background in space studies?

If you're interested in working for the government, you can set your sights on the military or NASA. If you're keen on working in the aerospace industry, you can apply for jobs at companies like Boeing or Lockheed Martin. If you want to get involved in commercial space flight from the ground up, then a job with a company like SpaceX or Blue Origin may be just right for you.

What topics can I study that are related to space?

There are a variety of topics to study that intersect with the field of space studies, including telecommunications, robotics, earth science, meteorology, laser technology, radar technology, and sonar technology.

What are the benefits of taking an online Space course?

Online Space courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Space skills. Choose from a wide range of Space courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Space courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Space, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Space Courses - Learn Space Online

University of Colorado System

Newborn Baby Care

Skills you'll gain: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Preventative Care, Health Assessment, Parent Communication, Respiration, Vital Signs, Nursing Care, Pediatrics, Case Management, Discharge Planning, Nursing and Patient Care, General Medical Tests and Procedures, Critical Care, Caregiving, Nursing, Patient Education and Support, Injury Prevention, Safety Training, Family Therapy, Accident Prevention

Macquarie University

Data Visualization in Excel

Skills you'll gain: Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Data Visualization Software, Data Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Spreadsheet Software, Dashboard, Microsoft Excel, Excel Macros, Infographics, Excel Formulas, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Forecasting

Johns Hopkins University

Principles of fMRI 1

Skills you'll gain: Radiology, Psychology, Data Analysis, Research Design, Image Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Scientific Methods, Data Processing, Data Collection, Probability & Statistics, Research

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Digital Signal Processing 1: Basic Concepts and Algorithms

Skills you'll gain: Digital Communications, Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Programming Principles, Computer Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Advanced Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Algorithms, Linear Algebra, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Applied Mathematics

Status: Free

The University of Edinburgh

Human Rights-based Approach to Dignity in Care (DIGNISPACE)

Skills you'll gain: Ethical Standards And Conduct, Interactive Learning, Education and Training, Discussion Facilitation, Patient Education and Support, Caregiving, Social Justice, Diversity Awareness, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Community Development, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Advocacy

University of Colorado Boulder

Analytical Mechanics for Spacecraft Dynamics

Skills you'll gain: Engineering Analysis, Vibrations, Mechanics, Finite Element Methods, Numerical Analysis, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Linear Algebra, Calculus

DeepLearning.AI

Build Better Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)

Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Data Ethics, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Image Analysis, Computer Graphic Techniques, Artificial Neural Networks, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)

University of Alberta

Prediction and Control with Function Approximation

Skills you'll gain: Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Supervised Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Pseudocode, Linear Algebra

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Introduction to Business Analytics: Communicating with Data

Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Data Visualization, Infographics, Data Collection, Data Quality, Business Analytics, Data Visualization Software, Marketing Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

3D Data Visualization for Science Communication

Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Scientific Visualization, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Data Presentation, Data Visualization Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Storyboarding, Computer Graphics, 3D Modeling, Graphical Tools, Color Theory

University of California, Irvine

Foundations of Virtual Instruction

Skills you'll gain: Virtual Environment, End User Training and Support, Telecommuting, Digital Communications, Emerging Technologies

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Beauty, Form & Function: An Exploration of Symmetry

Skills you'll gain: Aesthetics, Geometry, Design, Architectural Design, Physical Science, Spatial Analysis, Applied Mathematics

Goals

Subjects

Space Courses Online

Filter by

Subject
Required

Language
Required

Learning Product
Required

Level
Required

Duration
Required

Skills
Required

Subtitles
Required

Educator
Required