10/30/2026
Exploring the Science, Technology, and Policy Behind Space Exploration
For centuries, studying space largely meant looking up. Today, humans launch satellites, operate spacecraft, study distant planets, monitor space weather, conduct research aboard spacecraft, and make policy about activity beyond Earth.
Space studies brings those different areas into one field.
Rather than concentrating entirely on astronomy or engineering, space studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding space exploration and the systems that support it. Depending on the program, students could encounter astronomy, planetary science, space operations, policy, physics, aerospace science, technology, and the challenges of human space flight.
For students asking what space studies is, understanding that range is important. You could be studying the physics behind a spacecraft in one course and examining the policies governing activity in outer space in another.
What Does Space Studies Cover?
Space exploration depends on many disciplines working together.
Scientists investigate planets and other celestial objects. Engineers develop spacecraft and supporting technology. Mission teams operate complex space systems. Policymakers examine how governments and commercial organizations can use space, while researchers study what happens to humans who spend time away from Earth.
A space studies program brings several of those perspectives into the same curriculum.
American Military University's online Bachelor of Science in Space Studies, for example, currently covers space sciences, aerospace science, space entrepreneurship, physics, the solar system, and space policy. Coursework also examines satellites, spacecraft systems, spaceflight, space transportation, space wargaming, and space station systems.
Space Science and Planetary Science
Space science is a broad term covering scientific investigation beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Astronomy examines celestial objects and phenomena throughout the universe. Planetary science focuses more specifically on planets, moons, asteroids, and other bodies, including those within our solar system.
Students might also encounter topics such as space weather, remote sensing, Earth science, or astrophysics depending on their chosen program and focus area.
At the graduate level, AMU's Master of Science in Space Studies currently offers concentrations in Astronomy and Earth and Planetary Sciences alongside Aerospace Science and Space Policy.
Space Physics and the Space Environment
Spacecraft do not operate in an empty environment.
Radiation, charged particles, solar activity, and other physical conditions can affect satellites, communications, technology, and human activity in space. Space physics helps researchers understand these environments and the forces acting within them.
Related study can include physics, orbital mechanics, space weather, and the movement of objects around Earth and other celestial bodies.
Understanding the space environment is important because spacecraft and satellites must operate within those physical conditions.
Aerospace Science, Engineering, and Technology
Space exploration also requires technology capable of leaving Earth and functioning in extreme conditions. Aerospace engineering focuses heavily on designing and developing aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion systems, and related technologies. Space studies takes a broader approach, although aerospace science and technology can form an important part of the curriculum.
AMU's programs, for example, examine spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, remote sensing satellites, space transportation, and aerospace science.
Coursework can therefore provide opportunities for students to study technologies associated with space activity while maintaining the program's broader interdisciplinary focus.
Human Space Flight
Sending humans into space creates another set of questions. How does microgravity affect the body? What psychological challenges come with living in an isolated environment? How should spacesuits and habitats support human life?
Space studies can examine the physiological and psychological elements involved in human space flight, along with the history and development of crewed and uncrewed missions.
Relevant AMU coursework may also address human factors in space, including hazards and challenges associated with living beyond Earth.
Space Operations
Launching something into orbit is one stage of a much longer process.
Space operations can involve mission planning, satellite operations, communications, telemetry, logistics, remote sensing, and the systems used to support spacecraft throughout a mission.
Students studying the operational side of the field can learn how different technologies, teams, and processes connect during space missions.
Military space operations introduce further topics such as space security, mobility, logistics, and the role space capabilities play within national security.
Space Policy and the Growing Space Industry
Questions about access, commercial activity, national interests, and international agreements are part of space policy.
Space studies can examine the political, legal, economic, and commercial dimensions of exploration alongside its scientific and technical foundations.
The growth of the commercial space industry has made these questions increasingly relevant as government agencies, research institutions, and private companies all participate in space-related activity.
Research Opportunities in Space Studies
Some of the easiest ways to understand space science involve working with real data.
Eligible students may have opportunities to participate in research through initiatives such as the APUS Analog Research Group, Supernova Search Research, Variable Star Research, and Exoplanet Transit Photometry.
The university's observatory in Charles Town, West Virginia, houses a research-grade telescope that can be remotely operated. Students involved in relevant research groups may have opportunities to analyze telescope images and work with astronomical data.
Analog astronaut missions provide another type of experience. These projects use habitats designed to recreate some of the conditions associated with living and working in space, allowing participants to explore aspects of human space exploration here on Earth.
What Can You Do With a Space Studies Degree?
Space studies can connect with several parts of the space sector, although individual jobs have their own education and experience requirements.
Depending on their concentration and additional skills, graduates might explore work related to space operations, policy, research, aerospace organizations, government agencies, satellites, commercial space, or military space activities. Employment requirements vary by role and employer.
Technical positions such as aerospace engineer or astrophysicist commonly require specific scientific or engineering education, so a space studies degree should not be treated as automatic qualification for every space-related career.
Students can compare the curriculum of a particular degree with the requirements of the roles that interest them.
Interested in learning more about how space studies connects to different career fields? Explore "What Can You Do With a Space Studies Degree?" to discover potential career paths and the types of work involved in the space industry.
Is Space Studies Right for You?
Space studies can suit students whose interests refuse to stay inside one academic box.
You might be fascinated by astronomy but also want to understand space policy. You could be interested in spacecraft while wanting to learn about the human challenges of space travel. Or perhaps your interest lies in how government, military, and commercial organizations operate beyond Earth.
An interdisciplinary curriculum allows those subjects to come together.
When comparing programs, look closely at their balance of science, technology, policy, research, and operations. The right mix depends on which part of space you want to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Space Studies Degree?
A space studies degree is an interdisciplinary program focused on space exploration and related disciplines. Coursework may include astronomy, planetary science, aerospace science, space physics, spacecraft systems, human space flight, operations, and policy.
What Career Areas Can I Explore With Space Education?
Space-related education may be relevant to roles across government agencies, research institutions, commercial space organizations, military organizations, policy, operations, and other parts of the space industry. Qualifications differ considerably between roles, particularly for highly technical scientific and engineering positions.
What Does an Astrophysicist Do?
Astrophysicists use physics to investigate the universe and celestial phenomena. Their research can involve stars, galaxies, planets, black holes, and the physical processes that influence objects throughout the universe. Professional research positions often require advanced education in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, or a related discipline.
What Should I Look for in a Space Studies Program?
Look at the curriculum, concentrations, faculty expertise, research opportunities, learning format, and the balance between science, technology, operations, and policy. Students can also compare those subjects with the knowledge expected in the particular area of the space sector they hope to explore.