How do humans live and work in space for months or even years? What technologies, systems, and environments are needed to make that possible, on the Moon, Mars, or beyond?
We’re no longer just reaching space – we’re preparing to live there. With new moon missions, Mars programs, and commercial space habitats on the horizon, this course prepares you to contribute to one of humanity’s most ambitious challenges: sustaining life beyond Earth.
Train for the next era of human space exploration.
This course explores the human side of space missions, focusing on the technologies, strategies, and challenges behind long-duration spaceflight, astronaut training, and life beyond Earth. From space habitats and life support systems to the psychology of isolation and the simulation of missions here on Earth, you will gain the tools and mindset of a next generation space explorer.
Whether you’re aiming to work in space systems design, human factors, or analogue research missions, this course will ignite your journey into the future of space.
General information
The course aims to blends hands-on insights, and basics engineering theories for real-world applications, and the latest in space exploration research:
- Human spaceflight technologies: Discover the systems that sustain human life in space—environmental control, oxygen recycling, radiation protection, waste management, and more.
- Space habitats & living conditions: Explore how spacecraft, space stations, and planetary bases are designed for comfort, efficiency, and safety in microgravity or hostile environments.
- Space medicine & psychology: Learn how isolation, confinement, and the space environment affect the human body and mind—and how to prepare for it.
- Mission simulation & analogue environments: Understand how Earth-based simulations help us prepare for Moon and Mars missions using analogue stations and research techniques.
- Human-centered mission cesign: Approach space mission planning with humans at the core—balancing engineering with psychology, ethics, and sustainability.
- Emerging trends in exploration: From commercial space stations to Moon bases and Mars settlements, explore where humanity is headed next.
- (Optional) Field activities (TBC): Possible visits to space-related facilities or participation in analogue mission tasks.
Prerequisites:
Open to PhD, Master’s, and final-year Bachelor’s students from all Chalmers programs.
Whether your background is in engineering, design, industrial management, physics, biology, psychology, or systems thinking.
If you’re passionate about the human future in space – you belong here!
How to apply:
Apply to all Tracks courses at universityadmissions.se/antagning.se.
At universityadmissions.se/antagning.se: Search for the course you are interested in by using the course code starting with TRA.
More information on how to apply: Select a Tracks course
Details:
Teachers:
- Course coordinator: Patxi D. R. Acero, patxi@chalmers.se.
- Examiner: Tomas Gönstedt, tomas.gronstedt@chalmers.se
Level: Advanced (A)
Course code: TRA
Application deadline: May 6-20, 2025