Space, the most enduring frontier of human civilization, is undergoing its most dramatic transformation since the Kennedy Administration. Scientific breakthroughs, intensifying geopolitical competition, and a surge of commercial innovation are rapidly expanding the amount and impact of human activity beyond Earth, from the search for life on Mars, to the proliferation of satellites that underpin global communication, commerce, and security, to the increasing military presence beyond our atmosphere. Yet this vast new domain remains largely ungoverned, raising the twin specters of extraordinary opportunity and profound risk. STIA space concentrators will explore both the underlying science and technology as well as the policy principles germane to shaping humanity’s long future in space.
Space touches on all aspects of our existence; whether you’re interested in development in space or security in space, many students will find connections. Students may find careers in private companies, governments, or space agencies in emerging economies. Others may practice space law, space medicine, or space innovation. Space governance is a brave new world and many STIA students will help charter this path forward.
Please note that your science fundamentals must consist of a full year in the same subject area (e.g., all Biology or all Chemistry); you may not mix and match science disciplines.
You pick 4 classes from an area of concentration (at least two of these courses must have STIA prefixes)
STIA 4005: Foundations in Space Studies BIOL 4947: Pop-Up Astrobiology Lab I BIOL 4948: Pop Up Astrobiology Lab II BIOL 5170: Astrobiology Journal Club ERTH 3360: Environmental Remote Sensing ERTH 4010: Environmental GIS ENIA 5010: Environmental Remote Sensing GOVT 3679: Interstellar Politics HIST 3413: Outer Space — Plato to Pluto HIST 3415: Neighboring Worlds IPOL 3400: Space Security & Militarization of Space LAW 3078: Commercial Space Law LAW 3172: Law and National Security Space Operations LAW 0406: Space Law Seminar MSFS 5590: Space Policy and Diplomacy STIA XXXX: Orbital Dynamics STIA XXXX: New Space Economy STIA XXXX: Mission Design Lab STIA XXXX: Warfighting in Outer Space STIA 4270: Earth and Planetary Science STIA 4280: Habitable Planet Lab STIA 4321: Rocket Economics STIA 4400: Space Diplomacy STIA 4406: Space Security and Exploration STIA 4410: Governing the Next Frontier — Cislunar Space STIA 4417: National Lab Space Research Forum STIA 4419: Astronomy and Astrophysics
