Master of Science in
Space Operations

Students in this program will develop an in-depth understanding of space mission operations and research and, upon program completion, will be well-prepared for successful careers in the space industry.

Career Outlook for Space Operations

The Embry-Riddle Master of Science in Space Operations program is designed to meet an ever-growing need for space professionals with master’s-level education. According to market analysis performed for Embry-Riddle in 2020, demand for master's-level relevant professionals with space-related skills grew 3.25 % per month on average across the last three years, significantly faster than the 0.60 % average monthly growth for all master's-level professionals.

The excellent career outlook is due to explosive growth in the space industry. According to analysis by Bank of America, the space economy will triple in size and become a $1.1 trillion market by 2030. The expansion of the space industry comes from the commercialization and privatization of the launch and supply mission to the ISS, the desire to return to the moon and the announced exploration of Mars within the foreseeable future using commercial companies.

Space Operations Backgrounds and Benefits

This program is designed for three types of students: professionals working to advance their knowledge in the space industry by improving research skills and, therefore, promotability, professionals who are working outside the space industry who seek to become subject matter experts opening up future opportunities and students who are seeking to pursue a graduate degree upon completion of an undergraduate degree.

This program takes place on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus in Daytona Beach, Florida, which offers in-person networking opportunities with peers, mentors and industry experts; access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities and close proximity to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

DETAILS

About Space Operations at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

The Embry-Riddle Master of Science in Space Operations program will provide science-based curriculum in the key areas inherent to industry space mission operation programs.

The program's core will offer advanced courses in program management, earth observation and remote sensing, space mission and launch operations, space habitation, space ecosystems, satellite communications, cybersecurity, space technology and systems and space law and policies.

Students in this program gain valuable learning experiences in space mission operations, spacecraft systems, human space flight, system safety, human factors, statistical analysis, research methodology and program management.

Graduates are equipped to effectively communicate on space-related topics and research, as well as have a strong competitive advantage when furthering their professional or educational careers.

The MSSO is a ten course, 30 credit hour program which includes a capstone or thesis for degree completion, which builds a strong research-based foundation in core topics in space operations. Taking two classes per semester, a committed student can complete the MSSO program in 18 months.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Evaluate key elements within the space domain and its operational ecosystem.
Apply STEM principles and theory necessary for conducting spaceflight operations.
Create strategies for developing space capability and executing spaceflight missions.
Demonstrate the requisite professional skills desired by large multinational agencies.
Explain the purpose of empirical research and the role of statistics.
Correctly apply to data statistical tests for between-subjects designs including t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and factorial analysis of variance.
Evaluate alternate investigation methods, determine when to use quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods, and create sample research questions that quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods can address.
Apply different research designs with appropriate consideration of relative strengths and weaknesses, specific tools and techniques of data collection, assumptions of use, and acceptable analytic procedures.

Degree Requirements

MSSO Core Requirements		18
MSA 554	Project Management in Aviation Aerospace
MSA 662	Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace
MSA 670	Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace
MSA 511	Earth Observation and Remote Sensing
or SPAC 511	Earth Observation and Remote Sensing
MSA 512	Space Mission and Launch Operations
or SPAC 512	Human Spaceflight Industry
MSA 513	Space Habitation and Life Support Systems
Research Requirements		3-6
Select one of the following options:
MSA 691	Graduate Capstone Research Project
MSA 700	Thesis
Electives		6-9
SPAC 500	Overview of the Space Ecosystem
SPAC 505	The Launch Industry
SPAC 510	The Satellite Communications Industry
SPAC 515	Cybersecurity Applications in Space
SPAC 520	Space Technology and Systems
SPAC 525	Space Law and Policy
Total Degree Credits		30

For course descriptions, education requirements, curriculum, and suggested plan of study, please see the Master of Science in Space Operations in the Daytona Beach Catalog.