Mission Zero: Introduction
to Space Exploration

Welcome to the first on-line course of the Stembridge Space Academy!
LAUNCH: September 2025
Format: online
Course price: 70 Eur

What is Stembridge Space Academy

Stembridge Space Academy is a brand-new educational program designed to inspire the next generation of space explorers, engineers, and scientists. Through hands-on learning, interactive missions, and real-world problem-solving, students embark on an exciting journey into the world of astronomy, rocketry, space technology, and interplanetary exploration.


Explore the Universe. Shape the Future!

The primary aim of the "Mission Zero: Introduction to Space Exploration" course is to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm about space among children aged 10-15. It will provide foundational knowledge in space science, astronomy, and space applications through interactive, engaging, and age-appropriate lectures. The course aims to inspire interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, foster critical thinking, enhance imagination, and encourage an appreciation of space exploration's role in our daily lives and future.

About the course:

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OBJECTIVES

  • Introduce students to fundamental concepts of space science, technology, and exploration.

  • Promote understanding of rockets, satellites, astronauts, our solar system, asteroids, and deep space.

  • Demonstrate how space technology impacts life on Earth.

  • Spark interest and curiosity in astronomy, engineering, and technology careers.
  • Encourage inquiry, creativity, and teamwork.
  • Lay the groundwork for advanced courses.
COURSE OUTCOMES
Satellites
Explain the role of satellites and their impact on daily life on Earth (communication, weather, navigation).
Discuss what asteroids are, their significance, and potential interactions with Earth.
Asteroids
Rockets
Identify major operational principles of rockets and satellites.
Recognize key features of our solar system, including understanding of robotic exploration.
Solar system
STEM
Demonstrate increased curiosity, critical thinking, and interest in STEM areas through active participation and questioning during sessions.

Describe daily life, experiments, and the challenges astronauts face in space.

Understand key terms and basic concepts about space.
Basic concept of space
Astronauts in space
Deep space
Conceptualize the vastness of deep space, including galaxies, stars, and black holes.

Upon successful completion of the "Young Space Explorers Academy," participants will:

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Course Program
The course will be delivered online, featuring weekly lectures every Thursday at 19:00 (EET).
Additional materials and homework will be available through the course's
Learning Management System.
1
Lecture
  • What is Space, and why explore it?
  • They work in space: brief introduction to rockets, satellites,robots, astronauts
  • Our solar system at a glance
  • Near space vs Deep space
  • Why space matters in daily life
Blast-Off to Space!
(April 17)
2
Lecture
  • How rockets work (simple principles of thrust and gravity)
  • Main parts of a rocket (engine, fuel, boosters)
  • Famous rockets: Saturn V, Falcon 9, Space Shuttle, Soyuz, Starship; sizes of rockets
  • Stages of a rocket launch - launchpad transportation, payload integration, lift off,
  • Boosters separation, stage two ignition, orbit insertion, payload deployment
Rockets Rock!
(April 24)
3
Lecture
  • What satellites are and how they orbit Earth
  • Form factors of satellites (small satellties: picosats and cansats, cubesats, micro
  • satellites; medium and large platforms)
  • How satellites help us every day
  • Taking pictures of Earth from space
  • Satellite Communication
  • Navigation
  • Weather
  • Space debris challenges
Eye in the Sky: Satellites
(May 2)
4
Lecture
  • What does it take to become an astronaut? What do they actually do?
  • Space experiments
  • Daily life aboard the International Space Station: eating, sleeping, and hygiene in space
  • How the body changes in space (zero gravity effects)
Life as an Astronaut
(May 8)
5
Lecture
  • The Moon: map, resources, the Dark Side
  • Overview of planets in our solar system
  • Mars: water, oxygen, rovers and future missions
  • Venus: evil twin sister
  • Jupiter, Saturn, and their moons
  • Humans as interplanetary species?
  • Why robotic explorers are important
Meet Our Neighbors
(May 15)
6
Lecture
  • What asteroids are and where they come from
  • Types of asteroids and what they are made of
  • Why scientists study asteroids
  • Potential hazards: asteroid impacts on Earth (the Chicxulub Event)
  • Future: asteroid mining and exploration missions
Space Treasure Hunters
(May 22)
7
Lecture
  • What is deep space and how far have we explored?
  • Telescopes - ground-based and in space, radioastronomy
  • Understanding stars’ types and their life cycles
  • Discovering galaxies, nebulae, and black holes
  • Alien life: exoplanets
Into the Unknown
(May 29)
  • Upon successful completion of the pilot course, participants’ outcomes will be assessed through class participation and interactive activities. These assessments will measure participants’ grasp of essential concepts, their ability to apply learned knowledge creatively, and their level of engagement and enthusiasm about space topics.
  • Feedback from children, parents, and instructors will guide further refinement and potential expansion of the Stembridge Space Academy to continue fostering a lasting interest in space exploration and related careers.
  • Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded with a Stembridge Space Academy certificate and an Astronaut Passport.
teacher
Author
teacher
Author
Author
teacher
Miraslava Kazlouskaya

Business Developer at ION-X (French startup manufacturing satellite thrusters)

Master of Sciences in Space Studies, Master of Laws in Air and Space Law
Author and teacher:

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