Operating in Space
PostgraduateCUR-NPSC50032025
Previously CUR-SPC510
From the dangers of radiation to the importance of setting up base, you’ll explore the realities of humans surviving in space. Think about visiting the Moon and Mars—their surfaces, resources, and landscapes. Work in teams to design a base.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 24 Aug 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Mar 2025,
- 1 Sept 2025
- Price from
- $3,464
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Operating in Space
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- define and describe space radiation environments and the main technological challenges for enabling human presence beyond Earth’s orbit
- identify and interpret the surface properties on Moon, Mars and asteroids necessary for in-situ resource collection and utilisation
- estimate resources off Earth and determine relevance, from the aspect of human needs and surface properties on space bodies
- conduct feasibility study addressing the pros and/or cons of humans in orbit vs setting up a base off Earth vs a permanent habitat off Earth
- implement learning to design a human base on the Moon, reflect on the report outcomes
- Space and radiation environments on different planets
- Surface properties of planets other than earth – in-situ resource investigation
- Humans in orbit or on surface base? Which is better?
- Design a base on the Moon – group work
This subject explores and explains the challenges of operating in space, from the environment of different space bodies to the stresses and difficulties this causes. It also provides an overview of the needs and requirements for, along with the details of, setting up habitats and resource collection. The learning outcomes involve basic understanding of ‘living off the land’ in the sense of utilising resources in-situ as well as using geological landscape and surface materials for building a human base and habitats. This subject will explore past, current and future programs to return humans to the Moon. Further learning is enabled via small team projects where students are engaging in a survivability in space exercise.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integritymodule.
- Feasibility Study: Humans in Space (45%)
- Understanding Space Environment and Planetary Surfaces (20%)
- Group Case Study: Designing a Human Base on the Moon and peer review reflection (35%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-SPC510-Operating in Space (no longer available)
Others
Students must have a Bachelor Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) discipline with a minimum completion of high school mathematics.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Audio video equipment required. Provide communication method.
- Other requirements - Access to the Internet.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.