Program Description
The master of science (M.S.) degree-seeking student should consult
the Admission, Enrollment,
and Academic Policies sections
under Academic Policies and Procedures for
policies regarding application, admission,
registration, and the academic policies of Webster University.
In addition to the required core courses and the elective courses,
the following options may be components of the student's degree program:
master of arts (M.A.) degree professional seminars, internship, thesis
or project, and credit transferred into the degree program. The student
is limited to 3 credit hours of professional seminars and two issues
courses.
Students may not apply for dual majors because of the technical nature
of the M.S. degree program.
Emphasis Areas
The M.S. in space systems operations management is designed to prepare
individuals for positions in the public and private sectors of the
space industry. The space systems engineering and technical management
emphasis enables the student to understand the environment, technology,
and complexities of space operations and to apply quantitative and
qualitative approaches to planning, executing, and managing programs
in the global environment of the space industry. The space systems
acquisitions and program management emphasis prepares individuals to
handle space-related contracts and unique aspects of space systems
acquisitions including software, hardware, personnel resources, budgeting,
and risk mitigation.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Graduates will explain the important terminology, facts, concepts,
principles, analytic techniques, and theories used in the field
of space systems operations management.
- Graduates will be able to effectively apply important terminology,
facts, concepts, principles, analytic techniques, and theories
in the field of space systems operations management when analyzing
complex factual situations.
- Graduates will be able to effectively integrate (or synthesize)
important facts, concepts, principles, and theories in the field
of space systems operations management multifaceted problems in complex
factual situations.
Program Curriculum
The 39 credit hours required for the M.S. degree must include the
following core courses for a major in space systems operations management
with an emphasis in space systems engineering and technical management
or with an emphasis in space systems acquisitions and program management:
Core Courses
Engineering and Technical Management
- SPSM 5000 Space Environment (Requisite Course)
- SPSM 5730 Space Operations Research
- SPSM 5740 Space Systems Dynamics-Orbital Mechanics
- SPSM 5750 Space Systems Engineering
- SPSM 5770 Space Operations Management
- SPSM 6000 Practical Research in Space Operations
Acquisitions and Program Management
- SPSM 5000 Space Environment (Requisite Course)
- SPSM 5600 Space Systems Acquisition Law
- SPSM 5650 Space Systems Contracting
- SPSM 5730 Space Operations Research
- SPSM 5950 Space Systems Project Management
- SPSM 6000 Practical Research in Space Operations
Five elective courses chosen from the following for either emphasis:
- SPSM 5700 Space Commanding Systems
- SPSM 5710 Space Communications Systems
- SPSM 5760 Space Bio-Astronautics
- SPSM 5800 GPS-Space Radio Navigation Systems
- SPSM 5900 Space Commercialization
- SPSM 5910 Space Systems Integration
- SPSM 5930 Space Systems Law and Policy
- SPSM 5940 Space Decision Support Systems
- SPSM 5990 Issues in Space Operations
In addition the student chooses two elective courses (6 credit hours)
from this major or from the program curricula of other School of Business
and Technology majors.
Course Descriptions
SPSM 5000 Space Environment (Requisite Course) (3)
Students will examine
the concepts and terminology of the space environment, including the
ionosphere, the magnetosphere, radiation, human factors and limitations,
solar effects, near-Earth and deep space operations, propulsion systems,
satellite communications systems, spacecraft design, ground control
and supporting infrastructures, manning, technical support, outsourcing,
and large-scale long-term space operations. The orbital elements within
the space environment and the broad range of parameters and constraints
of navigation and operations in space are explored. Students are introduced
to the mathematics of orbital mechanics and determination techniques,
and learn how to calculate orbital parameters.
SPSM 5600 Space Systems Acquisition Law (3)
The law and legal processes
associated with government procurement are explored. An overview of
government procurement and acquisitions management is presented, with
particular attention given to the legal framework in which these activities
must take place. Students who have completed PROC 5890 may not enroll
in this course.
SPSM 5650 Space Systems Contracting (3)
Students will be exposed to
the activities of developing operations requirement documents (ORD),
concepts of operation (CONOPS), statements of work (SOW), engineering
change proposals (ECP), configuration management plans (CMPs), program
operations memorandums (POM), work breakdown structures (WBS), negotiations,
and award fee plans. Other documents and processes relevant to contracting
activities for space systems will be included as necessary.
SPSM 5700 Space Commanding Systems (3)
This course is recommended only
for space systems engineering and technical management track students
due to the technical content and hands-on nature. This course provides
hands-on commanding of spacecraft systems using an industry standard
COTS software product. Students will be exposed to establishing commands
and receiving and reading telemetry from (simulated) satellites. Prerequisite:
Students should have a programming course, minimum BASIC or C++, as
well as completion of SPSM 5740 Space Systems Dynamics-Orbital Mechanics,
prior to taking this course.
SPSM 5710 Space Communications Systems (3)
Students examine the technical
aspects of satellite communication systems, including an extensive
evaluation of space and ground segments. Topics include space communications
design and performance analysis, design trade-offs, antenna design
and performance, link equation, attenuation, modulation, jamming and
anti-jamming techniques, encoding and decoding, access, error detection
and correction, frequency hopping, and other access schemes. This course
presents an in-depth analysis of current and future trends in satellite
communication systems development and technologies such as Direct Broadcast
and Global Cellular support. (Formerly SPOP 5710)
SPSM 5730 Space Operations Research (3)
Students examine modeling techniques
that assist in the decision-making process of space operations. Linear,
nonlinear, integer, and dynamic programming techniques applicable to
space operations are among the deterministic mathematical methods explored.
(Formerly SPOP 5730)
SPSM 5740 Space Systems Dynamics-Orbital Mechanics (3)
Students examine
the basic application of orbital maneuvers, ground traces, ballistic
trajectories, mathematics associated with the solution of the two-
or three-body problem, satellite stability and attitude control,
and boot/re-entry dynamics and attitude control. The theory of basic
navigation guidance and control, the dynamics of interplanetary travel,
and the effects of space debris are explored. (Formerly SPOP 5740)
SPSM 5750 Space Systems Engineering (3)
Students examine a wide range
of engineering issues and consider factors that affect spacecraft design.
Topics include human factors engineering, logistics support, long-duration
low-Earth and deep space operations, design trade-offs, risk identification,
and mitigation techniques. Use of tele-robotics and interactive virtual
environmental support systems, computer-based modeling and simulation
tools, and other current engineering considerations are studied. (Formerly
SPOP 5750)
SPSM 5760 Space Bio-Astronautics (3)
Students examine the broad range
of environmental stresses on the human element for short- and long-duration
space travel, including psychological and physiological effects. Pressure,
temperature, G-forces, and radiation are among the specific stresses
considered. The capacity for extended space operation and human survivability,
considerations that affect spacecraft and spacesuit designs, are studied.
Consumables such as food, water, breathable air, and fuel are addressed
with respect to manned space travel. (Formerly SPOP 5760)
SPSM 5770 Space Operations Management (3)
Students examine various
operations issues such as launch facilities, SV design and development,
ground control infrastructure, and end user support operations. Manning,
technical support, outsourcing, and other issues impacting operations
management are included. The International Space Station (ISS) is used
as a potential course topic for examining large-scale low-Earth operations.
Long-term projects such as lunar and Mars missions are potential projects
for research.
SPSM 5800 GPS-Space Radio Navigation Systems (3)
This course focuses
primarily on the Global Positioning System (GPS) and gives the student
hands-on experience with a space-based radio navigation system. This
course examines current and future GPS applications. Students will
explore basic navigation, map coordinate systems, and then integrate
this knowledge with the GPS satellite navigation system.
SPSM 5900 Space Commercialization (3)
Students examine trends in commercialization
of space including launch services, the NASA technology transfer program,
satellite communications and paging services, cellular services, direct
broadcast TV, image services, GPS, and DirectPC (data services). Examination
of commercial services and the risks associated with new start-ups
is included as well as legal issues with geostationary rights and World
Radio Frequency allocations.
SPSM 5910 Space Systems Integration (3)
Students examine those processes
that facilitate the design, development, integration, manufacture,
deployment, sustainment, and disposal of space systems. The course
identifies those criteria needed to reduce risks and ensure that performance
integrity, compatibility, testing, and validation of functional and
physical requirements are met.
SPSM 5930 Space Systems Law and Policy (3)
Students examine national
legislative efforts and international treaties to establish space policies.
The policy positions of the United States, the Commonwealth of Independent
States, and other sovereign nations, and the efforts of these nations
to implement national policies are discussed.
SPSM 5940 Space Decision Support Systems (3)
This course is designed
toward the understanding and application of decision support systems
and technology tools. The student will examine the various stages of
DSS development and use in assisting the manager in making effective
decisions relevant to space operations or planning activities. Decision-making
processes appropriate for effective control, strategic planning, and
management information systems, and the role that computers have in
presenting complex data to decision makers are examined.
SPSM 5950 Space Systems Project Management (3)
Students examine those
processes used by space system managers to plan, organize, coordinate,
and direct the efforts of functional, staff, technical, and project
groups in accomplishing the objectives of space system programs and
projects.
SPSM 5990 Issues in Space Operations (3)
Current and significant issues
in space operations are examined. The course focuses on existing theories
and practices, with emphasis given to new and emerging topics in the
field. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.
Capstone Course
SPSM 6000 Practical Research in Space Operations (3)
The student is
expected to synthesize and integrate the learning experiences acquired
in space operations and to evaluate current topics relative to this
major. Prerequisite: successful completion of all required core courses
in this major and declaration of the thesis option in accordance with
the thesis policy (as applicable). Specific projects or delivery methods
will include space-related technical and engineering areas of emphasis.
Internships or practical research projects are considered appropriate
applications of student research in conjunction with the completion of
this course.
Certificate in Remote Sensing Analysis and Geospatial Information
Systems (GIS)
This certificate is designed to prepare individuals for positions
in public and private sectors of the Remote Sensing and Geospatial
Information Systems (GIS) profession. Students receive a comprehensive
overview of satellite delivered remote sensing capabilities and an
appreciation for broad applications in government and commercial sectors.
The curriculum employs hands-on techniques for demonstrating the use
and application of subject matter and includes current best-practices
as well as evolving techniques. Decision-makers and analysts in federal,
state, and local government as well as private industry will gain necessary
skills and experience to enable them to leverage imagery and GIS products
in delivering real organizational value.
Program Curriculum
Students seeking the Certificate in Remote Sensing Analysis and Geospatial
Information Systems (GIS) should hold a baccalaureate degree from an
institution accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies. Students
entering this program should have a basic set of computer application
skills and possess good mathematical skills.
The 18 credit hours required for the certificate in Remote Sensing
Analysis and Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) include the following
courses:
- SPSM 5300 Remote Sensing Analysis Concepts and Geospatial Information
System Technology
- SPSM 5310 Remote Sensing and Geospatial Information System Applications
- SPSM 5320 Remote Sensing and Geospatial Imagery Analysis
- SPSM 5330 Geospatial Information System (GIS) Technologies
- SPSM 5340 GPS - Position Determination and Coordinate Applications
- SPSM 5360 Practical Research in Remote Sensing Analysis and Geospatial
Information Systems
Course Descriptions
SPSM 5300 Remote Sensing Analysis Concepts and Geospatial Information
System Technology (3)
Introduction and overview of satellite-based remote
sensing including the evolution of national and international imagery
policies and the growth of the commercial industry. Practical exposure
to data types, imagery manipulation applications, software tools, and
future technology developments is included. (Requisite Course)
SPSM 5310 Remote Sensing and Geospatial Information System Applications
(3)
Commercial and civil applications such as homeland security, emergency
management, forestry, urban planning, property assessment, natural
resources management, utilities, etc., from business, marketing,
and management standpoints are studied. Practical application, case
study, and hands-on exercises using Webster University Space Lab resources
and imagery products form a significant portion of the curriculum.
SPSM 5320 Remote Sensing and Geospatial Imagery Analysis (3)
Methods
for deriving economic advantage and increasing resource management
effectiveness through the use of remotely sensed imagery products are
studied. Basic techniques for the analysis of imagery will be combined
with hands-on use of current and evolving software applications and
tools.
SPSM 5330 Geospatial Information System (GIS) Technologies (3)
Geospatial
Information Systems (GIS) processes and their support of integrated
applications, analysis, and resource management methods are examined. Instruction
includes practical application and hands-on exposure to current and evolving
GIS manipulation software applications and tools available in the Webster
University Space Lab.
SPSM 5340 GPS - Position Determination and Coordinate Applications
(3)
This course focuses primarily on the Global Positioning System
(GPS) and gives the student hands-on experience with the space-based
radio navigation system. This course examines current and future GPS
applications that lend themselves to use in a variety of mapping, cartography,
surveying, geological formation and resource location and identification.
Students may explore basic navigation, map coordinate systems, differential
GPS position determination and surveying applications and then integrate
this knowledge with the remote sensing applications knowledge. This course
is not substitutable for SPSM 5800 GPS-Space Radio Navigation.
SPSM 5360 Practical Research in Remote Sensing Analysis and
Geospatial Information Systems (3) (Prerequisite:
successful completion of all required courses in this certificate
program).
Focused on federal, state, local municipality and commercial cartography and
mapping projects using imagery as a base. This applications course will
include practical lab instruction on the primary systems for Earth projection
as well as basic cartography and topography skills. The course complements
previous topics by providing a synthesis of the primary applications of remotely
sensed data and GIS products. The student is expected to synthesize
and integrate the learning experience acquired in the certificate program and
to evaluate current relevant topics. Internships or practical research
projects are considered appropriate for demonstration of student research in
conjunction with the completion of this course. These projects may have
a direct application relative to the student's current employment or professional
development for future career advancement.
