Summer University

Human Spaceflight and Exploration, 7.5 ECTS (Bemannad rymdfart, 7,5 hp)

2-20 August 2010, Kiruna, Sweden

Application code UMU-95313, Summer 2010

This course is given in English by the Department of Physics at Umeå University. There is no tuition fee for this course. The application period closed on 15 March 2010, however we still have some places left and it is possible to submit a late application. We have provisionally reserved single rooms in Kiruna in the price range 2500 to 3250 kronor per person for 3 weeks. The accommodation form is found below.

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
Astronaut selection and training
Life support systems and space suits
Exploration of the solar system with satellites and robots
Human space exploration, ISS and ATV
Space tourism
Visits to the Swedish Institute of Space Physics and the European Space Range, Esrange
Practical exercises such as experimenting with a spaceball
Project
Student John rides the Spaceball as part of the Manned Spaceflight course 2005 (Photo:Torbjörn Lövgren)

Programme 2010

The programme for the course is now ready: Course schedule "Human Spaceflight and Exploration 2010"

This year the entire 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 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.

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

Making an Application (Application code UMU-95313) The official deadline for applications was 15 March. A late application can be made. It is expected that about 40 students will participate and at the moment there are still some places available. Remaining places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. To be eligible to take the course you should fulfill the general requirements of eligibility for university studies. For foreign students these are:

A completed Upper Secondary Education, e.g. Abitur, Baccalaureate, GCSE O and A levels and corresponding to the Swedish National Programme (gymnasium) is required

Proof of proficiency in English

In addition students must fulfill the special eligibility requirement for this course which is a physics major at upper secondary school level or have similar qualifications. All applications must be made on-line. You will be directed to the appropriate website by clicking here: On-line application . Note that the course belongs to the period Summer 2010. Once you have entered your on-line application you need to print out a cover sheet and send it together with your supporting documents to the address given. On arrival the documents are sorted and sent to the International Admissions Office at the university. Note that all the applications are processed by the international admissions office and that the physics department plays no role in the selection process. To be accepted by the admissions office it is imperative that you send the correct documentation to support your application. You must prove that you fulfill the general and special eligibility requirements which for most people will mean sending witnessed copies of your school leaving certificates. To witness the documents a person whose full name and contact information are given, should sign the copy writing that it is a true copy of the original. All copies submitted should be witnessed. Original letters written by university tutors are sometimes acceptable if the certificates are not available. More detailed information regarding how you can fulfill the general requirements of eligibility if you have GCE- and GCSE-qualifications from the United Kingdom. To read more about admissions for international students at Umeå University see the web pages of the International Office.

Travel and Accommodation

Students should plan to arrive in Kiruna no later than Sunday 1 August. The course will end by 12 noon on Friday 20 August. Kiruna is accessed by plane in approximately 90 minutes from Arlanda, Stockholm's international airport ( Scandinavian Airlines & Norwegian ), by train or by bus from various locations in Sweden.

All students who are offered a place on the course can fill in the application for accommodation. Accommodation form.

Additional information

The students of the class of 2006 together with ESA astronaut Dr. Gerhard Thiele. (Photo:Carol Norberg)

On 26th January 2007 the inauguration of Spaceport Sweden took place in the Arena Arctica at Kiruna Airport. The Spaceport was inaugurated by Maud Olofsson, Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister. The ceremony began with some traditional Lappish singing, performed by Sofia Jannok, standing in front of the conceptual interior of Virgin Galactic's Spaceship 2. In the years ahead it is planned to send space tourists into space from Spaceport Sweden aboard Spaceship 2.

Inauguration of Spaceport Sweden, Kiruna January 2007 (Photo:Carol Norberg)