Master

The SPICES Master’s degree provides an innovative programme of advanced coursework and practical learning experiences with a focus on space missions and satellite data analysis for scientific and industrial applications.

Research and lndustry in the space sector are closely interconnected and essential for the general development of knowledge and innovations in technology and information technology. Space-related activities are central to economic growth and represent a strategic sector for each country. The labor market in the space sector is booming worldwide. New professional competencies are increasingly required to operate in the various areas of space missions, such as the evaluation of scientific and application objectives, the in-orbit segment (upstream - launch services, development and production of satellites, infrastructures, payloads, sensors, inhabited modules,  robotics, ...), the ground segment (midstream - operations, security , terminals, ...) and the supply chain of services and applications (downstream).

The aim of the Master’s programme is to train qualified candidates in the various fundamental and multi-disciplinary aspects that characterize a space mission, and which are increasingly in demand by space agencies, private companies and public research bodies.

This programme will provide participants with expertise in three main areas needed for success in today’s competitive space economy:

  • the scientific background for which space missions and satellite observations represent essential tools of investigation: the study of the terrestrial system (climatology, meteorology, oceanography, volcanology, crustal deformations, seismology, magnetic field, gravitational field), planetology, astrobiology, astrophysics, and cosmology;
  • Fundamentals of space mission system engineering including the design, development and execution of a space mission: mission requirements, design of satellites for Earth observation and probes for space exploration.
  • The methods for analyzing large volumes of data (Big Data) obtained from satellites for scientific and industrial applications (e.g., exploration of space and the solar system, observation of the Earth, weather and climate studies, land monitoring, sustainable exploitation of natural resources, precision agriculture, and many others).

At the conclusion of the coursework, students will participate in an internship program gaining real-world experience with private companies and public research bodies that are international leaders in the space sector.

Financial assistance is available for participants including scholarships and study grants.

THE ADVANTAGES OFFERED BY THE MASTER

  • Personalized orientation and tutoring service for the participants;
  • Integration between coursework and specialized seminars held by managers of industries and researchers of leading international research institutes, which guarantees solid training on managerial, operational, and technical aspects of planning a space mission;
  • Internships with leaders in the space sector that enable the acquisition of technical, professional, and organizational skills that will provide participants with an advantage in the job market.