• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
Online Degrees
Careers
Log In
Join for Free
Coursera
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Space Exploration
  • About
  • Modules
  • Recommendations
  • Testimonials
  1. Browse
  2. Physical Science and Engineering
  3. Physics and Astronomy
Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Space Exploration

Dr. Thomas Reiter

Instructor: Dr. Thomas Reiter

Included with Coursera Plus

•Learn more
8 modules
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(17 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Recommended experience

Intermediate level

The course is intended for bachelor, master and PhD students as well as young professionals in the field of aeronautics.

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

8 modules
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(17 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Recommended experience

Intermediate level

The course is intended for bachelor, master and PhD students as well as young professionals in the field of aeronautics.

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
  • About
  • Modules
  • Recommendations
  • Testimonials

What you'll learn

  • Build an applied understanding of past, present, and future Moon and Mars missions, focusing on the technical challenges that need to be overcome.

Skills you'll gain

  • Environment and Resource Management
  • Research
  • Resource Utilization
  • Innovation
  • Strategic Partnership
  • Organizational Strategy
  • Transportation Operations
  • Science and Research
  • Commercialization
  • Human Factors

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

14 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business
 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 8 modules in this course

The course provides an overview of European activities in the field of astronautical and robotic exploration. In the context of ESA's exploration strategy "Terrae Novae", scientific goals for the exploration of the Moon and Mars, technological challenges, potential commercial opportunities in the field of exploration, as well as physiological aspects of long-term astronautical missions in low Earth orbit and beyond will be considered.

The modules of the course cover the following topics: • Introduction to Space Exploration • European Exploration Strategy: TERRAE NOVAE • Earth-Moon Transportation Architectures • ISRU – Enabling sustainable space exploration • Earth`s Moon: the “planet next door” • Current Status of Mars Missions and Research • Commercialisation: ESA approach for stimulating the growth of an in-space economy • Medical Aspects of Long-term Spaceflight

Exploring our solar system is about expanding the boundaries of our understanding and specifically finding the proof that life might have emerged on other planets. We are witnessing a decade in which humans will return to the surface of the Moon to prepare for a sustainable presence, with a strong and visible role for Europe. We might eventually find evidence of past or current life on our neighboring planet Mars. This course gives an insight into strategic, scientific and technological activities related to these two destinations.

What's included

3 videos2 readings

3 videos•Total 26 minutes
  • Space Exploration: Overview•21 minutes•Preview module
  • Introduction to Munich Aerospace•1 minute
  • Introduction to the Technical University of Munich •3 minutes
2 readings•Total 15 minutes
  • Munich Aerospace - who we are•10 minutes
  • About Dr. Thomas Reiter•5 minutes

In this module, the context of the European Space Agency exploration activities will be introduced, including the drivers and reasons for exploration. You will learn about the international context of space exploration, ESA’s strategic objectives and current strategy, and the programmatic framework of Terrae Novae (ESA’s European Exploration Envelope programme). We will also look at the future evolution of the European strategy and programme.

What's included

3 videos1 reading2 assignments

3 videos•Total 37 minutes
  • International Strategic Context•7 minutes•Preview module
  • Strategy Roadmap•15 minutes
  • Strategy Outlook•13 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
  • About Dr. Stefaan De Mey•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
  • European Exploration Strategy•20 minutes
  • European Exploration Strategy•20 minutes

This module consists of three parts covering the following topics: 1. Principles - Why is the Moon important, and what are “basic principles”? The Moon’s role as a gateway into the solar system is a consequence of celestial mechanics and the current state of engineering. Given the need to “stage”, i.e., to split a space transportation system into different phases, in between which the vehicles are ejected, refilled, combined, or otherwise re-configured, the rocket equation and achievable performance in structure and propulsion systems of the vehicle determine the achievable benefit. We discuss how to apply basic principles and why they are also important in the end-to-end development of an architecture. 2. Destinations - What is the strategic high ground in cis-lunar space, and how do we get there? The gravitational field of the Earth-Moon system offers a rather complex playing field for the optimization of launch windows, transfers, and staging strategies. We investigate several key points in this gravitational field: LEO, LLO, and Earth-Moon libration points. 3. Programmes - How do current architectures perform, and what can Europe contribute? How do existing capabilities (Ariane 6, SLS, Starship) perform within an Earth-Moon exploration architecture? We compare the approaches and performances in a meaningful manner. We find that Europe can do more in the frame of international Moon exploration initiatives, if basic principles are properly applied and combined with programmatic knowledge.

What's included

4 videos1 reading2 assignments

4 videos•Total 50 minutes
  • Principles: why the Moon is important and what are "basic principles"?•15 minutes•Preview module
  • Destinations - part 1•14 minutes
  • Destinations - part 2•15 minutes
  • Programmes: how do current architectures perform and what can Europe contribute?•5 minutes
1 reading•Total 3 minutes
  • Vita of Prof. Dr. Markus Landgraf•3 minutes
2 assignments•Total 35 minutes
  • Earth Moon Transportation Architectures•20 minutes
  • Earth Moon Transportation Architectures•15 minutes

This module discusses the relevance, resources, availability, and processes of using materials found in space to enable long-term exploration of our solar system. Initially, the need for in situ resource utilization (ISRU) is highlighted and a broad introduction is given. The course then mainly focuses on how ISRU can be beneficial in the near-term exploration context with emphasis on the Moon and Mars, highlighting resources on these bodies and showcasing techniques to utilize them. Finally, more advanced applications, such as asteroid mining, and further applications, such as space based solar power, are briefly discussed.

What's included

3 videos2 readings2 assignments

3 videos•Total 45 minutes
  • Introduction to ISRU•13 minutes•Preview module
  • ISRU on Moon and Mars•21 minutes
  • Applications of ISRU•10 minutes
2 readings•Total 95 minutes
  • Scientific articles (optional)•90 minutes
  • Vita of Christian Gscheidle•5 minutes
2 assignments•Total 50 minutes
  • ISRU - Enabling sustainable space exploration•20 minutes
  • ISRU - Enabling sustainable space exploration•30 minutes

The Moon, with the Sun, is the most prominent object in the sky and Earth’s direct neighbor. Observation has been limited to telescopes until the beginning of the age of spaceflight. 1959, the Moon was visited for the first time by a space probe, culminating ten years later in Neil Armstrong’s famous »giant leap. « Twelve astronauts walked on the lunar surface and contributed tremendously to the scientific harvest. The Apollo program was way more than a victory in a politically motivated space race. 382 kilograms of lunar rocks returned to Earth by the six successful missions, and plenty of experimental data, opened a »window to the early Solar System«. The analyses were fundamental in understanding the origin and evolution of terrestrial bodies. Many questions, though, remained unanswered, and new questions arose. Therefore, new projects, are in preparation to return to the Moon, and soon astronauts, too. There will be exciting missions in the years to come; and with it: science.

What's included

4 videos2 readings2 assignments

4 videos•Total 66 minutes
  • The Moon as a Planetary Body in the Solar System•16 minutes•Preview module
  • History of Lunar Exploration•15 minutes
  • Current Status of Knowledge in Lunar Science•17 minutes
  • Actual and Future Spaceflight and Science Projects•16 minutes
2 readings•Total 100 minutes
  • Scientific articles (optional)•90 minutes
  • Vita Ulrich Köhler•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
  • Earth's Moon: the "planet next door"•20 minutes
  • Earth's Moon: the "planet next door"•20 minutes

This presentation provides a comprehensive chronological overview of past, ongoing, and forthcoming Mars missions, which encompass exploration through orbiters, landers, and rovers. We will delve into the current state of scientific knowledge about Mars and learn about the datasets that scientists have utilized to acquire this information. Additionally, we will take a closer look at the sample collection from the Martian surface. By exploring the past and present missions, we aim to gain insights into the progress made in our understanding of Mars and its unique features. As we peer into the future, the presentation will elucidate upcoming missions, revealing the strategic endeavors planned to further unravel the mysteries of our neighboring planet.

What's included

4 videos2 readings2 assignments

4 videos•Total 45 minutes
  • Background, Past and Ongoing Missions•17 minutes•Preview module
  • Recent Orbiter and Landing Missions•10 minutes
  • Mars 2020 and how to take samples from Mars•10 minutes
  • Future Missions•7 minutes
2 readings•Total 95 minutes
  • Scientific articles (optional)•90 minutes
  • Vita Dr. Daniela Tirsch•5 minutes
2 assignments•Total 50 minutes
  • Current Status of Mars Missions and Research•20 minutes
  • Current Status of Mars Missions and Research•30 minutes

This module addresses the role of commercialization in delivering the ESA Space Exploration Programmes and accelerating the space exploration process in general. It is subdivided into three learning modules: Commercial Service Procurements for Space Exploration, Markets enabled by Space Exploration and Commercialisation Policy, Benefits and Risks. It provides an overview of different types of commercial procurement mechanisms, identifies markets that are impacted by Space Exploration, and explains the broader benefits and risks of commercialization. Concrete examples of ESA and NASA commercial procurement approaches are provided as well as an explanation of the broader role of Space Agencies in growing the commercial space exploration sector.

What's included

3 videos1 reading2 assignments

3 videos•Total 41 minutes
  • Commercial service procurements for Space Exploration•14 minutes•Preview module
  • Markets enabled by Space Exploration•13 minutes
  • Commercialisation policy, benefits and risks•13 minutes
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
  • Vita of Bernhard Hufenbach•5 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
  • Commercialisation•20 minutes
  • Commercialisation•20 minutes

Stress is regarded as the bodily response to all the physical, mental, or emotional pressures occurring in a living environment. In space, all body systems are affected by a myriad of strong stressors, summarized as the space exposome. Several studies have been performed in space and space-analogues to better understand the causal relationships between stress, stress overload and disease, and to thereby elaborate efficient personalized countermeasure strategies, with a mutual benefit for humans in space and on Earth. During future deep-space explorations to the moon or Mars, the intensity of space stressors will increase, which requires the further development of innovative mitigation strategies such as artificial gravity or hibernation.

What's included

3 videos2 readings2 assignments

3 videos•Total 34 minutes
  • Stress and Space Analogues•15 minutes•Preview module
  • Stress in Space and Health (ISS)•10 minutes
  • Facing unique stresses during exploration class missions•8 minutes
2 readings•Total 15 minutes
  • Vita Prof. Dr. Alexander Choukèr•5 minutes
  • Thank You and Next Steps•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 35 minutes
  • Medical Aspects of Long-term Spaceflight•20 minutes
  • Medical Aspects of Long-term Spaceflight•15 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

Instructor ratings

We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.

4.2 (5 ratings)
Dr. Thomas Reiter
Dr. Thomas Reiter
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
1 Course•1,477 learners

Offered by

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Offered by

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe’s top universities. It is committed to excellence in research and teaching, interdisciplinary education and the active promotion of promising young scientists. The university forges strong links with companies and scientific institutions across the world. TUM was one of the first universities in Germany to be named a University of Excellence. TUM does not pass any personal data to the platform providers. If you take part in one of our MOOCs, please refer to the data protection guidelines in the terms and conditions of the provider.

Explore more from Physics and Astronomy

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Houston

    A Brief History of Human Spaceflight

    Course

  • Status: Free
    Free
    D

    Duke University

    Space Medicine

    Course

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Michigan

    Rocket Science in Everyday Life

    Course

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    The Business, Politics, Policy, & Players of Space Programs

    Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Coursera Plus

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Learn more

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Explore degrees

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

  • The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.

  • The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policyOpens in a new tab.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions

Visit the learner help center

Financial aid available,

Coursera Footer

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Logo of Certified B Corporation
© 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok
Coursera

Sign up

Learn on your own time from top universities and businesses.

​
​
Between 8 and 72 characters
Your password is hidden
​

or

Already on Coursera?


Having trouble logging in? Learner help center

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.