Space 304

SPACE ENVIRONMENT AND EFFECTS

Space is not empty. It’s active—and dangerous.
This asynchronous course introduces students to the complex and often misunderstood reality of the space environment. Contrary to the idea that “space is empty,” this course explores the wide variety of natural and human-made hazards that exist in orbit. Students will learn about space weather, electromagnetic and particle radiation, magnetic fields, and celestial threats such as asteroids, meteoroids, and comets. The course also addresses orbital debris and other physical dangers that impact the safety and sustainability of space operations. Upon completion, students will be able to identify key environmental hazards and understand their implications on mission success and spacecraft protection.
Yes
This course is accredited in partnership with the University of San Diego (USD) and is endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE), with credit options available through successful course completion or by testing for experienced professionals. Our collaboration with USD offers transferable college credits, while ACE endorsement supports recognition of your skills across traditional academic and professional settings. This dual pathway empowers students and professionals to earn industry-recognized credentials that enhance career progression and academic achievements.

Online

Format

Course Length

July 21, 2025

Enroll By

June 21, 2025

Next Session

$2,000.00

Tuition

Asynchronous (Self-Paced)

Course Type

Key outcomes

Recognizing the Reality of the Space Environment

Understand the dynamic and hazardous nature of space, challenging the misconception that it is a benign, empty environment.

Identifying Natural Hazards in Space

Learn about various natural space hazards such as solar radiation, magnetic fields, particle storms, and celestial bodies that pose risks to spacecraft.

Understanding Human-Made Hazards and Operational Risk

Analyze the presence and impact of human-generated orbital debris and how it contributes to the risk landscape in space operations.

course content overview​

The Space 304 course provides an in-depth examination of adversary space capabilities through the following modules:

  • Introduction to the Space Environment: “Space Is Not Empty”
  • Space Weather and Its Operational Effects
  • Electromagnetic and Particle Radiation
  • Magnetic Fields and Solar Activity
  • Meteoroids, Asteroids, and Comets
  • Human-Made Orbital Debris and Microparticles
  • Operational Hazards and Spacecraft Protection
Each module equips students with the knowledge needed to assess and counter global space threats posed by adversaries.
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Space304 – SPACE ENVIRONMENT AND EFFECTS

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