New MOOC course: Sustainable Space
The MOOC course “Sustainable Space” (MOOC = Massive Open Online Course) launched on 21 October 2024 is now open for all interested. The course will give a comprehensive introduction on aspects critical for understanding sustainable use of space, its prospects and challenges.
Space has become vital to modern society. The number of satellite launches continues to grow, first mega-constellations are being constructed, and new space companies constantly emerge. The space industry is already large, and by 2035, the global space economy is estimated to reach 1.8 trillion dollars (World Economy Forum). In addition, commercial spaceflights are becoming increasingly common, and preparations to return to the Moon and to send humans to Mars are ongoing. However, these expanding space activities bring new sustainability challenges, most of them affecting Earth’s environment and usability of the orbits around our planet.
On the other hand, space activities contribute to solving sustainability issues, such as through Earth observation satellites, and maybe one day, energy and valuable resources could be harvested from space. To guarantee that we can benefit space and use its prospects for generations to come,it must be profoundly understood as integrally connected to society, the economy and legal frameworks.
The course is free of charge and can be taken at any time and at your own pace. Upon completion of the exercises (multiple choices), you will receive 2 study credits from the Helsinki Open University. Course is suitable for all interested in space with no prior knowledge on space physics or physics required. It will cover the following topics:
• Sun, heliosphere and solar eruptions
• Basics of satellites, orbits and launchers, astronaut training
• Satellite missions, commercialization of space, and activities advancing sustainability
• Space debris
• Space law and ethics
• Near-Earth space and space weather
• Future manned space flights to Moon and Mars, harvesting space, future of low-Earth orbits, and space tourism
The course has been prepared by the University of Helsinki researchers, as part of Academy of Finland’s Centre of Excellence for Research in Sustainable Space.
Emilia Kilpua
Professor, University of Helsinki
