Solar Systems and Satellites explores the role of satellite technology in the exploration of the universe, and discovery of new stars and system, whilst unpacking the everyday impact satellite technology has on our life on earth. Thousands of satellites orbit the Earth, providing a wealth of critical information for our ever-evolving technological landscape on Earth. This course will investigate, technology developments, related communication developments, and the ethics and laws of space.

For every working satellite, there is a satellite that is no longer working, adding to the growing mass of space junk that needs to be managed and accounted for. In this course you will work independently and in teams, you will research the many varied ways that satellite information is used here on Earth, and how it impacts our lives, and you will investigate an aspect of satellite use and design a solution for cleaning up space junk.

A hands-on component of this course includes the design and creation of components required for a cubesat miniature satellite. There will be multiple opportunities for excursions in this course, and the opportunity to work with researchers in the space industry and at Universities.