Introduction to Space

Course information

Learning outcomes

• After the course the student has the basic knowledge of astronomy, space physics and space technology that are needed for further studies.
• The student knows the structure and central physical properties of the universe and the solar system, and the objects contained in them.
• She/he identifies the basic concepts and tools of astronomy and space physics, and is able to solve simple problems related to them.
• The student can list what kind of observations can be made of astronomical and solar system phenomena, and what is the motivation behind such efforts.
• She/he can compute simple orbits of satellites using celestial and orbital mechanics, and can apply various celestial coordinate systems.
• The student recognises the basic vocabulary used in space science and technology, and how Aalto University is situated in the national and international space research scenes.

Content

• Basics of astronomy and space physics.
• Building blocks and central properties of the universe and the solar system.
• Emission mechanisms
• Coordinate systems.
• Celestial mechanics & orbits.
• Observations of astronomical and solar system phenomena.
• Space technology and missions.
• Space science and technology research and education at Aalto University.

Teacher

Anne Lähteenmäki, Jaan Praks

Study material

To be specified.

Workload

Contact hours. Independent work.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of mathematics and physics.

Evaluation

Exercises, learning assignments, examinations.

Teaching time and location

The teaching time and the location of the course can be found at Sisu information system

1. The link leads to Completion methods tab of the course page
2. From the top of the page (Version drop-down menu), check that academic year 2025-2026 is selected  

3. From the blue bar, click Lecture and open the Groups and teaching times tab to see the teaching time and the location of the course. Exam times can be seen by clicking Exam.
    

   Exam instructions at the Open University

The teacher has four (4) weeks to grade the exam submissions starting from the exam date.

Online learning environment for the course  

MyCourses online learning environment is a tool for both students and teachers for communication and managing everyday course work. You need an Aalto User ID to log in to the course's MyCourses workspace and participate in teaching.

Digital workspace of the course:
MyCourses

More details on completing the course will be available at MyCourses closer to the start of the course.

Registration and course fee

Registration for Open University courses is done via the link below: 
Course registration

Registration for this course starts on 4.8.2025 at 9.00  
Registration for this course ends on 25.8.2025 at 23.59

It is not possible to register before the registration period has started or after it has ended.

The number of participants is limited to 5.

This course is organized by the Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering.

The course fee is paid upon registration for each course at a time and it is binding. Familiarize yourself with registration and payment rules as well as other guidelines for students:
Registration, payments and rules

Activating Aalto ID and Multifactor Authentication

You can activate your Aalto User ID the day after the registration and you should activate it no later than the day before the start of the course.
Instructions for activating your Aalto user ID

Once you have activated your Aalto user ID, also enable multifactor authentication. Some of Aalto University's services require multifactor authentication.

Instructions for using Multifactor Authentication