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

Status: Free

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Mind of the Universe: Science in Progress

Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Research, Research Design, Scientific Methods, Critical Thinking, Experimentation, Problem Solving, Ethical Standards And Conduct

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Digital Marketing Analytics in Theory

Skills you'll gain: Marketing Analytics, Web Analytics, Marketing Effectiveness, Digital Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Analytics, Consumer Behaviour, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Advertising, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Customer Analysis

University of Michigan

The History of Rocket Science

Skills you'll gain: Manufacturing and Production, International Relations, Social Studies, Political Sciences, Emerging Technologies, Timelines, Physics, Innovation, Mechanics, Science and Research

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Digital Marketing Analytics in Practice

Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Visualization, Marketing Analytics, Data Presentation, Google Analytics, Web Analytics, Analytics, Business Analytics, Trend Analysis, Digital Marketing, Data Analysis, Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Data Collection, Advertising

University of Colorado Boulder

Spacecraft Relative Motion Kinematics and Kinetics

Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Analysis, Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Engineering Calculations, Matlab, Physics, Calculus

Google Cloud

Transacting Digital Assets with Multi-Party Computation and Confidential Space

Skills you'll gain: Virtual Machines, Blockchain, Identity and Access Management, Cryptographic Protocols, Transaction Processing, Google Cloud Platform, Cryptography, Cloud Security

University of Colorado Boulder

Getting There and Going Beyond

Skills you'll gain: Systems Engineering, Concept Of Operations, Aerospace Basic Quality System Standards, Global Positioning Systems, Systems Integration, Engineering, Human Factors, System Testing, Automation, Structural Engineering, Thermal Management, Physical Science, Physics, Environmental Monitoring, Spatial Data Analysis, Mechanics, Safety and Security

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Leading Teams: Building Effective Team Cultures

Skills you'll gain: Team Building, Team Management, Teamwork, Safety Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, Employee Engagement, Growth Mindedness, Motivational Skills, Problem Solving, Innovation, Adaptability, Change Management, Culture, Leadership Development, Creativity, Leadership

Scrimba

Build a Space Travel Website

Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML and CSS, Web Design and Development, Front-End Web Development, Figma (Design Software), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Javascript, User Interface (UI), Usability, Interaction Design, Typography

University of Michigan

Rocket Science in Everyday Life

Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Global Positioning Systems, Environment, Geospatial Information and Technology, Physical Science, Geographic Information Systems, Scientific Methods, Science and Research, Aerospace Basic Quality System Standards, Physics, Engineering, Emerging Technologies

Status: Free

University of Colorado Boulder

The Sun and the Total Eclipse of August 2017

Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Environment, Scientific Visualization, Safety Assurance, Experimentation

University of California San Diego

Data Structures

Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Data Storage, Programming Principles, Graph Theory, Computer Programming, C++ (Programming Language), Java, Theoretical Computer Science, Debugging

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