Space Operations examines issues in space operations, such as orbits (including orbit perturbations and orbit determination), launch, rendezvous, re-entry, space environment, space law, coordination. Operations aspects of space applications are examined, such as communications, navigation, remote sensing, space surveillance and space situational awareness. Mission analysis and design aspects of these applications are also examined.

The major goal of this course is to provide an opportunity to develop an understanding of the processes and practices associated with the specification of operational requirements for space systems to meet a variety of space mission objectives. It explains the basic spacecraft types, the most common orbit types and their parameters and how to investigate the most suitable orbit(s) for a particular task. The course also enables the student to assess the operational aspects of a proposed mission.