The aim of the course is to educate participants about
human spaceflight and exploration from a European perspective. Course contents:
History of human spaceflight
The space environment and its effects on the human body in space
Microgravity research in drop towers, parabolic flights, rockets & spacecraft
Astronaut selection and training
Life support systems and space suits
Exploration of the solar system
Human space exploration
Visits to the Swedish Institute of Space Physics and the European Space Range, Esrange are planned
Practical exercises: building and launching a model rocket, computer-based radiation exercise
Project
A student rides the Spaceball as part of the course in 2010 (Photo: Carol Norberg)
The schedule for the summer course of 2013 can be downloaded here: Course schedule "Human Spaceflight and Exploration 2013" The course in 2015 will be more intensive; we shall work at the weekend as well as during the week.
The course will take place in the exotic town of Kiruna, which lies in the north of Sweden, above the Arctic Circle, about 600 km from the central Umeå campus. The town's northerly location makes it an ideal place to observe auroral phenomena during the winter, which has lead to the establishment of space research organisations, industry and space-related education in the area. In August the summer days are very long. It is often said that the town lies in the heart of Europe's last wilderness, and there is no doubt that Kiruna has much to offer anyone who likes the outdoor life.
This course is suitable for students from Sweden and abroad studying on traditional science and engineering degree programmes as well as medical students, school teachers and other young professionals interested in technology and space. It is expected that about 35 students will participate.
For students from the EU/EEA countries and Switzerland there is NO fee for the course, however students must cover their own travel and living costs while attending. For more information about the course, contact the course coordinator via e-mail at the address: summer@space.umu.se
We have reserved rooms at the appartment hotel Gullriset close to the city centre, which are available for successful applicants on a first come first served basis. All successful applicants should fill in the accommodation form even if making their own living arrangements. Click here for the accommodation form
Kiruna is accessed by plane in approximately 90 minutes from Arlanda, Stockholm's international airport with ( Scandinavian Airlines )and Norwegian, by train or by bus from various locations in Sweden. For many foreign students the cheapest route to Kiruna is a cheap flight, with for example Ryan Air, to Skavsta or Västerås, airports in the vicinity of Stockholm, followed by the overnight train to Kiruna. There are airport busses between the Kiruna airport and the town centre ( Click here for bus information).
The students of the class of 2013 together with ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang (Photo:Rick McGregor)
Human Spaceflight and Exploration, Ed. Carol Norberg, 2013, Springer/Praxis
The Space Environment, Alan C. Tribble, 2003, Princeton University Press
Fundamentals of Space Medicine, Gilles Clément, 2005, Springer
Russian Spacesuits, Isaak P. Abramov and Å. Ingemar Skoog, 2003, Springer-Praxis.
US Spacesuits, Kenneth S. Thomas and Harold J. McMann, 2006, Springer-Praxis.
Destination Space, Kenny Kemp, 2007, Virgin Books
Course coordinator: Dr. Carol Norberg, Reader in Space Physics
Page updated 8 May 2015