New Space: Access to space - Basics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/newspace-access-to-space

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: New Space: Access to Space - Basics In an era where space exploration is increasingly democratized and commercialized, the course titled **"New Space: Access to Space - Basics"** on Coursera emerges as a crucial resource for anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of space access. This course delves into the revolutionary spirit of NewSpace, exploring both the technological advancements and strategic shifts that characterize the new frontier of space exploration. #### Overview "New Space: Access to Space - Basics" is designed to introduce learners to the fundamental changes redefining how we access and utilize space. With an emphasis on the challenges and opportunities that arise from the advent of New Space, the course prepares participants to navigate a complex field that merges classical space paradigms with innovative new technologies. Through a series of engaging and informative modules, students will gain a robust understanding of the components and dynamics of space access in this modern context. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction** - The course begins with an essential overview of NewSpace, highlighting its emergence and significance over the past decade. Learners are invited to consider what distinguishes New Space from traditional approaches, setting the stage for deeper exploration. 2. **The Launchers** - In this module, participants will learn how NewSpace impacts orbital transportation. This section discusses the transformation in access to space, underlining how traditional space paradigms continue to coexist with the innovations brought about by NewSpace. Topics covered include key issues, emerging technologies, and the future perspectives of space access. 3. **Rocket Engines Basics** - A critical component of any launch vehicle is its propulsion system, and this module provides a thorough introduction to rocket engines. Participants will explore the fundamentals of propulsion, learning about different types of rocket engines—liquid, solid, and hybrid—and how these systems relate to mission analysis. By the end of the module, learners will grasp the principles behind rocket engine technologies, equipping them for future discussions on innovative methodologies. 4. **Newspace for Space Access** - Building on the previous weeks, this section focuses on the design, production, and operational aspects of launch vehicles in the New Space era. It identifies the disruptive technologies that are reshaping rocket and launcher production. Additionally, the module addresses sustainability in space exploration, discussing the challenges and potential solutions introduced by NewSpace. 5. **General Assessment** - The course culminates with a graded assessment that allows learners to validate their knowledge and apply what they have learned throughout the course. This final assessment reinforces the course’s core concepts and encourages critical thinking about space access today. #### Strengths of the Course - **Comprehensive Content**: The syllabus covers essential aspects of NewSpace, making complex topics accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds. - **Expert Insights**: Given the rapidly evolving nature of the space sector, the course is likely to include insights from industry experts, enriching the learning experience. - **Practical Knowledge**: The emphasis on application through mission analysis and propulsion fundamentals ensures that learners leave with practical skills and knowledge they can leverage in related fields. - **Sustainability Focus**: The inclusion of discussions on sustainable space exploration highlights the contemporary relevance of the course, resonating with current global priorities. #### Recommendation **"New Space: Access to Space - Basics"** is highly recommended for anyone interested in space exploration, whether you are a student, a budding entrepreneur, or simply a space enthusiast. The combination of theoretical insights and practical applications provides a well-rounded educational experience. Moreover, as access to space becomes increasingly significant for scientific research, commercial endeavors, and international collaboration, understanding the trends set by NewSpace is essential for anyone looking to make a mark in this field. **Conclusion** Enrolling in this course could be the first step towards participating in the next wave of space exploration. With the potential to inspire new ideas and solutions, it is an invaluable resource for anyone keen on contributing to the future of humanity’s presence in space. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the revolutionary landscape of NewSpace—sign up today!

Syllabus

Introduction

The NewSpace is a wide concept that emerged more than ten years. It is difficult to define, but it is relatively feasible to explore the consequences of NewSpace on orbital transportation. The access to space, that’s the major point. In this field, a real revolution has taken place. It is the result of several factors, which are actually the maturity of what was developed in the "traditional space" (or classical) that still has its full place today. The balances have been modified, and this Mooc presents precisely - for access to space - the main issues, openings, technologies, and perspectives that are offered to us.

The propulsion system is the most important subsystem of any launch vehicle: it provides the thrust and Isp needed to complete the mission. The objective of this week is to provide you with an introduction to the rocket engines used in launch vehicles for space access. You will understand the fundamentals of propulsion systems, and you will understand how to relate the propulsion system to the launch vehicle mission analysis. This will allow you to understand, next week, how disruptive technologies and innovative methodologies in the new space affect the future generation of rocket engines. The week starts with an introduction to how rocket engines work, some orders of magnitude of power, and an introduction to fundamental performance parameters. Then the different types of rocket engines will be presented: liquid, solid, and hybrid. The week will end with a focus on liquid propellant engine technologies: subsystems and cycles.

In this week you will be able to understand what are the main aspects that characterize access to space in the new space. Using the knowledge you gained in week 1 on mission analysis and week 2 on propulsion systems, you will be able to understand how the design, production, and use of launchers and rockets are affected by the New Space. During this week, we will give you an overview of the production methodologies and the main disruptive technologies that characterize New Space rockets and launchers. Finally, we will discuss sustainable space, highlighting both the issues raised by New Space and the actions that could be taken.

In this final graded assessment, you will check your knowledge and apply it.