Spacecraft missions are vital in exploring the solar system and the more distant universe. This module introduces the methods of conducting scientific measurements in the space environment and the technologies behind spacecraft and space missions. It extensively uses online remote experiments and facilities to develop your practical scientific skills and allow you to engage in collaborative team-working activities that are the hallmark of spacecraft operations. The module is good preparation for further academic research in space science and develops skills and knowledge relevant to employment in the space sector.
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| Start |
End |
Fee
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Register |
| 31 Jan 2026 |
Oct 2026 |
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| Registration closes 15/01/26 (places subject to availability) Click to register
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This module is expected to start for the last time in February 2028.
What you will study
This module makes extensive use of real space missions to highlight the challenges of spaceflight and illustrate the diversity of topics encompassed by space science. An introductory section covering the basic concepts of spaceflight and spacecraft design is followed by four in-depth case studies. These consider science topics in lunar and planetary exploration, as well as space-based astronomy. You’ll see how science goals translate into the engineering requirements of spacecraft and their operation. Online practical work supports each case study – for example, using a robotic telescope to observe variable stars or a microscope to study hypervelocity impacts on spacecraft materials.
Throughout the module, there’s emphasis on developing skills that are relevant to research in space science and employment in the space sector. You’ll analyse and present spacecraft data using the Python programming language. You’ll develop your team-working skills through a simulated mission to explore and investigate a Martian landscape using the OpenSTEM Laboratory’s Mars yard and rover. With support from your tutor, you’ll also develop a case for a small spacecraft based on your own ideas and interests, which must meet the exacting demands of a real space mission.
Vocational relevance
The module is of particular relevance for students seeking employment not just in space science research, but more generally in the space sector. Particular strengths of this module are that it develops skills in the quantitative analysis of science and engineering data obtained from spacecraft, and requires students to have a good understanding of spacecraft systems. This module is particularly relevant to employment in roles that are concerned with the acquisition, handling and interpretation of data obtained by space-based instrumentation.
Entry
You should typically have
- a UK honours degree (or equivalent) in physics, astronomy, geosciences, chemistry, engineering or mathematics.
We’ll ask you to prove you have this when you register. We will, however, consider applications from non-graduates with other relevant qualifications or experience.
We don’t require you to have previously studied space science or astronomy.
You can check if you’re ready for S818 with our self-assessed diagnostic – Are you ready for S818?
We recommend you have minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores of:
- Reading: 5.5
- Writing: 5.5
- Speaking: 5.5
- Listening: 5.5
- Overall: 6.0.
Our free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, helps you develop the skills and confidence to manage the requirements and demands of postgraduate study.
Qualifications
S818 is a compulsory module in our:
S818 is an option module in our:
If you have a disability
Some online components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader (mathematical, and scientific materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way). Other alternative formats of the module materials may be available in the future.
Due to our extensive use of external websites and third party software, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all components of the module.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
Study materials
What's included
Study materials are all online and provided through the module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- study guides and associated resources
- audio and video content
- assignment details and submission section
- online tutorial access
- remote access to online experiments and collaborative activities.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Materials to buy
Set books
- Fortescue, P., Swinerd, G. & Stark, J. (eds) Spacecraft Systems Engineering (4th edn) Wiley £56.00 - ISBN 9780470750124
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:
- Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
- Guiding you to additional learning resources.
- Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
- Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part. If you want to participate, you’ll likely need a headset with a microphone.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
Students also studied
Students who studied this module also studied at some time:
Future availability
Space science (S818) starts once a year – in January.
This page describes the module that will start in January 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in January 2028.
How to register
To register a place on this module return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.