Over the period of the six interactive sessions using polls and Q&A, the course will provide an overview on: • Evolution of the space age from the beginnings with Sputnik to today • Outline the rich sources of services from space that shape human societies on Earth • The emergence of the private space sector in countries around the world • Explore the concern of congestion in space from the growing number of spacecraft and the hazards of space debris. • The potential for the militarisation of space. • Humans living and working in Earth orbit. Returning to the Moon and beyond to Mars.
Course aim
The course is designed to introduce key aspects of the 21st century Space Age. It will cover how space technology and services have evolved from the time of Sputnik and Apollo to the space-enabled societies of today.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Appreciate the advances made in space technology by many countries compared to the Space race of the 1960s.
- Recognise the critical role of the space-based services that shape how we live and work on Earth.
- Be aware of the role of space technology in geopolitics and its potential to manage the environment on Earth and in Earth orbit.
- Develop an appreciation of the state exploration of space by humans. Space tourism, the future of the International Space Space station and return to the Moon.
How will I be taught?
- WEA online course
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- WEA online course
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- Nothing else is needed
- All materials will be provided
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
Astronomy -The New Space Age - An Introduction, Online (supported by RAS)
