The courses required to earn the Graduate Certificate are:

1.  MECH 532—Introductory Space Flight Dynamics

2.  PHYS 519—The Space Environment

3.  ASYS 631—Spacecraft Systems Engineering

4.  An applications course (choose ONE of the following):

a.  EENG 571—Satellite Communications

b.  OENG 530—Fundamentals of IR and MASINT Technology

c.  PHYS 521—Space Surveillance

d.  MENG 530—Chemical Rocket Propulsion

e.  MENG 531—Space Propulsion and Power Systems

These courses provide a common breadth of knowledge and the basic building blocks for all Air Force and DoD Space Systems Engineers.  

Program Educational Objectives

The Graduate Space Systems Certificate Program is designed for students with traditional engineering backgrounds (mechanical, electrical, aerospace, etc.) and produces graduates who can effectively approach and analyze complex space-related problems, design feasible solutions, and select an appropriate solution.  Specific objectives are as follows:

1.   A graduate will have a general understanding of the purpose and requirements for all spacecraft subsystems and how these subsystems relate to the spacecraft payload and mission.

2.   A graduate will have a thorough understanding of orbital mechanics and the space environment and how these can affect the spacecraft mission.