TEK3990 – Space Science and Applications

This course provides you with an overview of different applications for space systems, such as navigation, communication, Earth observation, planetary science, and astronomy. We will go through different measurement methods and typical sensor systems, and discuss historical space missions, their objectives, achievements, and failures. The course includes a project where we will analyze real data sets from space missions.

The topics covered include

• space environment: vacuum, radiation, orbits and how these shape the system design
• measurement principles: remote sensing vs. in-situ, active vs. passive; an overview of sensing technologies and systems
• societal dependence on space systems: navigation, communication, Earth observation, and environmental monitoring
• planetary & astronomical missions: space telescopes, planetary probes, and real mission data analysis
• historical missions: case studies (such as Voyager, Cassini, and Hubble), including their objectives and lessons learned

After completing this course, you will be able to

• identify and describe the main categories of space applications (Earth observation, navigation, communication, science) and the technology systems underpinning each
• explain the principles of common space-based sensors and measurement techniques, and relate them to the physical phenomena they observe
• evaluate the design trade-offs involved in space system architecture, considering constraints such as power, mass, thermal environment, and link budget
• analyze real-world data sets from space missions, applying appropriate methods to interpret and draw conclusions from the data
• communicate technical findings clearly in both written and oral formats, including within a collaborative group setting

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

This course is open for admission to students on the bachelor's programme Technology Systems: Science and Engineering. Please refer to the programme description for admission requirements.

The course is mainly lecture-based but includes interactive exercises and a close link to real-world examples.

In the second half of the semester, there is a group project spanning a few weeks where students work in small teams. Each team is assigned a data set from a space mission to define a scientific investigation, perform simple analysis, and present findings. This project is designed to develop skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and systems thinking. Emphasis is placed on reflecting on data quality and the conclusions that can be drawn from specific techniques.

The final grade is based on the following components:

• A group project with presentation counts 25% towards the final grade.
• A final written exam counts 75% towards the final grade.

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination.