Spaceflight Fundamentals
- program flow
From Foundation to Flight Readiness
The Level 1 page now flows from program overview, to participant outcomes, to detailed course-by-course curriculum, then into the final instructor review and registration call to action.
01/ Foundation
Begin with spaceflight history, atmospheric structure, orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, mission architecture, and Mission Control responsibilities.
02/ Human Factors
Move into physiology, gas laws, altitude effects, G-forces, stressors, crew resource management, communication, and decision making.
03/ Suit & Simulation
Practice pressure-suit fit, suit operations, confined-space work, vehicle control, telemetry, communication systems, and mission simulations.
04/ Adaptation
Complete hypoxia recovery, accelerated G-force adaptation, microgravity operations, unusual-attitude recovery, and final competency assessment.
- full curriculum
Level 1 Program Details
During Level 1, program participants will complete the following courses.
Program Format
Duration: 7 Days
Program: Spaceflight Fundamentals
Focus: astronaut-style training, simulation, physiology, suit operations, crew performance, and assessment.
01/ ENV 100
Introduction to the Spaceflight Environment
This course provides the foundation of knowledge needed to prepare participants for training and spaceflight, including:
- History of spaceflight from early initiatives to present endeavors to include major milestones and mishaps;
- Earth’s atmospheric structure as well as radiation principles exhibited in low earth orbit;
- Basic principles of orbital mechanics to include sub-orbital and orbital flight dynamics;
- Basic spacecraft systems focusing on life support, propulsion, attitude control, communication and telemetry;
- Spaceflight mission architecture and Mission Control roles and responsibilities.
02/ PHY 100
Introduction to Spaceflight Physiology
In this course, participants will gain an understanding of the physiological effects occurring during aircraft and spacecraft flight to include mitigation and self-correction techniques. The following topics will be covered:
- Review of human anatomy specific to the trainee during aircraft and spacecraft flight;
- A review of basic gas laws;
- The physiological divisions of the atmosphere;
- Altitude physiology and mitigation measures;
- G-forces, self-imposed stress, motion sickness and potential environmental stressors in conjunction with mitigation steps;
- Physiological incapacitation and health maintenance as related to the participants.
03/ CRM 100
Introduction to Crew Resource Management
This course provides fundamental knowledge of human factor issues present during flight and tools for working in a crew environment, including:
- A brief history on the implementation of CRM through examination of human factors related mishaps;
- Interpersonal communication;
- Principles of conflict management, stress management, situational awareness and decision making;
- Professionalism will also be addressed providing a framework to approach simulations maximizing participant training.
04/ PPS 100
Introduction to Pressure Suits
This course instructs participants on pressure suit fit, form, and function preparing them for training. The following topics will be covered:
- Pressure suit hardware at the top assembly level;
- Associated ancillary items used for comfort;
- Proper don and doff procedures, suit operations and suit safety precautions;
- Participant suit sizing evaluation and pressurization check;
- Participant evaluation for mobility while wearing the pressure suit.
05/ GT 100
Hypoxia Demonstration and Recovery Training
This course will introduce trainees to physiological effects created by reduced oxygen environments. Participants will garner an understanding of personal hypoxia symptoms and proper self-recovery methods. Hypoxia demonstrations and recovery training will be accomplished in either a hypobaric or normobaric chamber.
06/ GT 101–103
Space Flight Dynamics and Control Simulations
These courses will exercise the participant’s understanding of principles discussed during Introduction to the Spaceflight Environment and CRM during 3 simulation periods. During simulations the trainee will:
- Incorporate CRM and problem solving into dynamic simulations;
- Be immersed in a foreign and dynamic environment using high fidelity mock-ups and virtual reality displays;
- Will demonstrate vehicle navigation utilizing telemetry and communication systems;
- Review principles of orbital mechanics, spacecraft reference datum, thruster translation controls and off nominal translation recovery methods;
- Gain a working knowledge of orbital mechanics with each simulation;
- Will work in a crew and Mission Control environment;
- Be exposed to human factors issues exhibited during spaceflight;
- Garner an understanding of nominal and off-nominal procedure execution;
- Become familiar with spacecraft system operations.
07/ GT 104 & 105
Pressure Suit Interface and Operations
These courses will exercise the participant’s understanding of principles discussed during Introduction to the Spaceflight Environment, Introduction to Pressure Suits and CRM during 2 simulation sessions. During simulations trainees will:
- Incorporate CRM, critical communications and problem solving;
- Be immersed in a foreign and dynamic environment using high fidelity mock-ups and confined spaces;
- Become familiar with operating in an enclosed environment;
- Be exposed to human factors issues exhibited during spaceflight;
- Garner an understanding of nominal and off-nominal procedure execution;
- Experience and observe restriction of mobility and visibility while exercising vehicle control operations;
- Understand unusual attitudes, reduced dexterity, flexibility and mobility during Extra-vehicular Activity (EVA) simulations;
- Become familiar with human and machine interface issues.
08/ FT 100
Introduction to Accelerated G-force Adaptation
The course will introduce trainees to high G-force load effects on the human body coupled by stimulation of the vestibular and visual senses as a result of unusual attitudes. During training participants will:
- Review topics discussed during Introduction to Spaceflight Physiology to include gas laws imposed on the human body, proper mitigation and self-clearing procedures;
- Review hypoxic experiences during the chamber flight to include the IMSAFE personal checklist;
- Understand the accelerated G-force flight profile and associated survival equipment used during flight;
- Be introduced to countermeasures designed to prevent loss of consciousness resulting from accelerated G-force loading;
- Become familiar with slow and rapid G-force onset in the linear, radial and angular acceleration vectors while exercising physiological G-force countermeasures;
- Experience gas laws imposed on the human body while exercising proper mitigation and self-clearing procedures.
09/ FT 101
Introduction to Microgravity Adaptation
This course will introduce participants to micro gravity effects on the human body coupled by stimulation of the vestibular and visual senses as a result of unusual attitudes. During the course trainees will:
- Review topics discussed during Introduction to Spaceflight Physiology and accelerated G-force flights to include the IMSAFE personal checklist;
- Review of microgravity translation techniques presented during pressure suit operations;
- Be introduced to periods of microgravity and demonstrate microgravity operations;
- Become knowledgeable of physiological effects associated with changes in gravity;
- Exercise recovery from unusual attitudes and demonstrate proper translation techniques.
- final assessment
Instructor-Led Review & Competency Assessment
Prior to completion of Spaceflight Fundamentals, participants will receive a comprehensive instructor-led review followed by a comprehensive assessment determining level of competency in:
- Operations, environments and physiological effects associated with spaceflight;
- Principles of Crew Resource Management;
- Physiological issues and mitigation techniques associated with spaceflight.
Ready to Register?
Reserve your Level 1 Spaceflight Fundamentals seat or contact Waypoint 2 Space for program availability, group enrollment, and training details.