Summer University

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

1-19 August 2011, Kiruna, Sweden

Application code UMU-95313, Summer 2011

JUST A FEW PLACES STILL AVAILABLE

This course is given in English by the Department of Physics at Umeå University. There is no tuition fee for this course. (Sweden is introducing fees for students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland from the autumn term 2011 - these do not apply to this summer course.) There are a few places still available on the course; new applications will be dealt with on a first-come first-served basis. We have reserved student rooms in Kiruna and the application form for accommodation is to be found lower down the page.

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
Human space exploration
Space tourism
Visits to the Swedish Institute of Space Physics and the European Space Range, Esrange
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)

Programme 2011

The provisional schedule for this year's course can be downloaded here: Course schedule "Human Spaceflight and Exploration 2011"

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.

There is NO fee for the course however students must cover their own travel and living costs while attending. From the autumn of 2011 fees are being introduced for students from outside the EU/EEA countries. 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, however places are still available and a late application can be made. It is expected that about 35 students will participate. 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 2011. 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. Any paper clips, staplers and bindings delay the handling of your application so please avoid using them. On arrival the documents are sorted and sent to the International Admissions Office at the university. You will be able to check that your supporting documents have been registered on 'Your pages/Your application'. 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. In order to expedite the processing of your application, they require a copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photograph, or some other identification document. 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, NOT proof of university studies. 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. This person's contact details should also be given in case the admissions office needs to contact him/her. 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

All successful applicants should fill in the accommodation form even if making their own living arrangements. We have reserved rooms close to the city centre, which will be available for successful applicants on a first come first served basis. Accommodation form.

Students should plan to arrive in Kiruna no later than Sunday 31 July. The course will end at 12 noon on Friday 19 August. Kiruna is accessed by plane in approximately 90 minutes from Arlanda, Stockholm's international airport ( Scandinavian Airlines ), 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 some airport busses between the Kiruna airport and the town centre ( Click here for the schedule).

Additional information

The students of the class of 2010 (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)

Click here to download the course information sheet (13MB).