Space Flight Operations Fundamentals

The course is $450, with a $35 transaction fee per payment. There are no books to purchase.

Course starts: February 2, 2026

Registration deadline: February 9, 2026

Course ends: April 2, 2026

In the Space Flight Operations Fundamentals course, you will learn the history of space exploration, human travel in space, and the effects of the space environment on operations. The lessons will help you understand essential elements and systems comprising modern space vehicles and missions. Various national and international policies and aviation laws, fundamentals of interplanetary travel, orbital prediction, and launch and reentry operations will also be studied.

After taking this online course, you will better understand aspects of space flight operations regarding weather, mechanics, and architecture in the planning and implementation of space flight in the modern world.

Once you successfully complete the Space Flight Operations Fundamentals course, you can use newly learned skills and knowledge to confidently enter the workforce within space flight and aerospace industries. You will receive a digital badge embedded with the competencies learned. You can include this badge on your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or share it with an employer. Students will also receive a certificate of completion.

Students can also convert the course to three credits that will stack toward an MSU Denver certificate or degree. See our FAQs for more information on converting Space Flight Operations Fundamentals to credit.

Learning objectives:

• Describe the significant historical factors of air and space operations, technologies, and exploration.
• Identify and describe essential factors of the space environment and their impact on space operations.
• Apply basic laws, treaties, and policies of space law to various aspects of space operations.
• Describe and synthesize terminologies and concepts associated with essential elements and systems comprising modern aerospace science, space vehicles, and mission operations.
• Describe and analyze issues and challenges related to spaceflight industries, such as interplanetary travel, orbital prediction, aviation safety, and launch and reentry operations.

Competencies to be gained:

• In-depth understanding of the different facets of flying and space exploration.
• Understands how space weather impacts flight operations.
• Knows the different legal perspectives of space operations.
• Exposure to technical knowledge like orbital mechanics, air navigation, and fundamental knowledge of space operations architecture to encompass the mission life cycle.