The modules of the course cover the following topics:

Introduction to Space Exploration

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.

European Exploration Strategy: TERRAE NOVAE

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.

Earth-Moon Transportation Architectures

This module consists of three parts covering the following topics:

1. Principles – Why is the Moon important, and what are “basic principles”?
2. Destinations – What is the strategic high ground in cis-lunar space, and how do we get there?
3. Programmes – How do current architectures perform, and what can Europe contribute?

ISRU – Enabling sustainable space exploration

This module discusses the relevance, resources, availability, and processes of using materials found in space to enable long-term exploration of our solar system. The module 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 are briefly discussed.

Earth’s Moon: the “planet next door”

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.

Current Status of Mars Missions and Research

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.

Commercialisation: ESA approach for stimulating the growth of an in-space economy

This module addresses the role of commercialization in delivering the ESA Space Exploration Programmes and accelerating the space exploration process in general. 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.

Medical Aspects of Long-term Spaceflight

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.