Space Systems Fundamentals Certificate (SSF) - Curriculum 273 (DL)

Program Officer

CDR Michael Moran

Spanagel Hall, Room 102B

[phone], DSN 756-2817

[e-mail]

Academic Associate

Steve Tackett, Lecturer

Code SP/Ta, Spanagel Hall, Room 230

[phone], DSN 756-2944

[e-mail]

Brief Overview

The Space Systems Certificate program comprises four courses. Upon successful completion of the course work, students will be awarded a certificate of completion in keeping with standard practices of the Naval Postgraduate School as well as the 6206L subspecialty code. The Space Systems Certificate program supports Navy and DoD space educational needs and complements existing resident education by providing cross-disciplinary science and technical education. The Space Systems Certificate program is targeted primarily at enhancing the education and preparation for USN Space Cadre personnel. The Navy's Space Cadre represents a distinct body of expertise horizontally integrated within the Navy active duty, reserves, both officer and enlisted, and civilian employee communities organized to operationalize space. 

Entry to the Space Cadre is met, in part, by completion of a Space PQS. The courses included in the certificate are designed to give a prospective Space Cadre member the knowledge required to meet the requirements of many portions of the PQS.

Completion of the Certificate will count toward satisfaction of the Information Professional Advanced Qualification Certification matrix (COMNAVCYBERFORINST 1520.1).

Requirements for Entry

Baccalaureate degree with completion of college level algebra, geometry, trigonometry, logarithms, and physics (including electricity and magnetism. (Physics 2). Minimum acceptable grade for courses is a C.

Convenes

Fall, Spring

Program Length

4 Quarters

Graduate Certificate Requirements

Requirements for the certificate in Space Systems are met by successful completion of all four courses. Certificate credit is obtained by maintenance of a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Space Systems Fundamentals Certificate students should be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the Space Environment in which DOD satellites operate, including Remote Sensing, Space Environment, orbitology, satellite communications and satellite subsystems
• be able to advocate for USN/DoD interests in significant National Space Security Organizations
• be able to drive participation in joint processes for space systems architecture and requirements development
• be able to prioritize the resources necessary to formulate and defend operational requirements for space
• understand the major satellite systems used in ISR, PNT and communication

Navy students will:

• Gain knowledge required in corresponding fundamentals section of Space Cadre PQS
• Upon completion of the certificate, be awarded the 6206-L subspecialty code

Course Requirements

Course of Study

Course Number	Title	Credits	Lecture Hours	Lab Hours
SS3011	Space Technology and Applications		3	0
SS3613	Military Satellite Communications		3	0
	-or-
SS3610	Space Communications Systems: Fundamentals and Analysis		4	2
PH3052	Physics of Space and Airborne Sensor Systems		4	0
	-or-
MR3522	Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere and Ocean/Laboratory		4	2
PH2514	Introduction to the Space Environment		4	0
	-or-
SS3051	Military Applications of DoD and Commercial Space Systems		3	2
	-or-
SS3001	Military Applications of National Space Systems		4	1

Students unable to take SS3613 due to clearance issues may take SS3610 as an approved substitute.

Students may choose between PH3052 and MR3522.

Students may choose between PH2514 and SS3051 and SS3001.