A guide to the process of planning and executing space missions, including launch preparation, mission control, communication, and handling emergencies.
Orbital mechanics: The study of the motion of objects in space and how they are affected by gravity, thrust and other physical forces.
Launch vehicles: The various types of spacecraft and launch vehicles required to propel humans and cargo into space.
Human physiology: The physiological effects on the human body when exposed to the vacuum of space, zero-gravity and radiation.
Life support systems: The systems and technologies required to sustain human life and provide for their nutritional, hygiene and waste management needs while in space.
Astronaut training: The skills and knowledge that astronauts must master to perform tasks both inside and outside their spacecraft.
Spacewalking: The necessary skills and techniques used to perform tasks outside of the spacecraft while in space.
Robotics: The use of remotely operated devices to perform tasks in space, including the maintenance of the spacecraft.
Communication systems: The various modes of communication required to ensure reliable transmission of data and communication with ground control.
Navigation systems: The necessary equipment and technology used for accurate navigation and orientation in space.
Mission control operations: The design and operation of the mission control center on the ground to monitor and manage the spacecraft's journey and support the astronauts.
International cooperation: The importance of international collaboration in space exploration and the management of space resources.
Legal and ethical considerations: The laws, policies and ethical considerations surrounding human space exploration, such as environmental protection, space debris mitigation and exploration of alien life.
Mission architecture: The design and planning process used to create a mission plan including launch, orbital trajectory and return flights.
Mission requirements: The definition of the mission goals, scope, timing and objectives.
Systems engineering: The process of designing, integrating and validating complex systems in a mission scenario.
Risk management: The identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks that could arise during the mission.
Project management: The planning, organizing, managing and controlling of resources to achieve specific goals and objectives during the mission.
Budgeting and funding: The allocation and management of resources required to conduct and support the mission.
Quality assurance: The process of ensuring that the design, requirements and performance of the space systems meet safety, quality and reliability requirements.
Operations and maintenance: The processes and procedures used for the operation and maintenance of the spacecraft and other equipment throughout the mission.
Lunar mission planning and execution: Planning and executing a mission to land on the lunar surface.
Mars mission planning and execution: Planning and executing a mission to explore and land on the surface of Mars.
Space Shuttle mission planning and execution: Planning and executing a mission using the Space Shuttle, including deploying and repairing satellites, conducting experiments, and transporting crew and cargo to/from the International Space Station.
International Space Station (ISS) mission planning and execution: Planning and executing missions to operate and maintain the ISS, including performing experiments, conducting spacewalks, and rotating crew members.
Space tourism mission planning and execution: Planning and executing missions for private citizens to travel to space for leisure purposes.
Asteroid mission planning and execution: Planning and executing missions to study and potentially mine asteroids for resources.
Commercial crew mission planning and execution: Planning and executing missions to transport crew members to and from the ISS using privately designed and operated spacecraft.
Military mission planning and execution: Planning and executing missions for national security purposes, such as reconnaissance and surveillance.
Planetary defense mission planning and execution: Planning and executing missions to prevent or mitigate the impact of potentially hazardous asteroids or comets on Earth.
Suborbital mission planning and execution: Planning and executing missions that do not reach orbit, but allow for experiments and training in microgravity environments.
Small satellite mission planning and execution: Planning and executing missions using small satellites for various purposes, such as Earth observation and communication.
CubeSat mission planning and execution: Planning and executing missions using CubeSats, small modular satellites, for various purposes, such as technology demonstration and science experiments.
Interstellar mission planning and execution: Planning and executing missions to explore beyond our solar system, potentially using advanced propulsion technologies.