Rocket Science for Everyone

Ends in 6 days! Save 40% on your access to 10,000+ programs and make a real impact in your career. Save now.

Rocket Science for Everyone

Instructor: Marla Geha

Top Instructor

24,976 already enrolled

Included with Learn more

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

683 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

683 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Understand where satellites orbit around the Earth, defining different regions where satellites such as GPS and communication satellites orbit.
Explore the different components that make up a satellite's payload, including how satellites generate electricity and communicate with Earth.
Understand how rockets work, exploring liquid versus solid rockets and rocket staging.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments

Taught in English

99%

Most learners liked this course

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 5 modules in this course

This course is an intuitive introduction to rocket science in our everyday lives.

Modern life increasingly depends on technology provided by Earth-orbiting satellites, from detailed weather predictions to broad-band internet and GPS. How are satellites launched into orbit and how do they work once they get there? Why are rockets used to get into orbit and how are they different from airplanes? This introductory course is aimed at a wide non-technical audience and is appropriate for all ages.

This course is intended to be an intuitive introduction to rocket science in our everyday lives. This module will motivate and outline the course.

What's included

6 videos2 readings

Where do satellites orbit? In this module, we will explore what it means to be in orbit around the Earth and define the three major regions where most satellites orbit.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment

How do satellites get into orbit? In this module, we will explore why rockets are needed to launch satellites to orbit and how rockets work.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment

What is sent into orbit? We will explore how satellites work and breakdown different satellite components.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment

Why do satellites go into orbit? We will wrap up the course by diving into 3 specific satellite missions.

What's included

2 videos1 reading

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(315 ratings)

Top Instructor

Marla Geha

Yale University

1 Course24,970 learners

Offered by

Yale University

Explore more from Physics and Astronomy

Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Rocket Science in Everyday Life
Course
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
The Basics of Rocket Science
Course
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Rocket Science 101
Specialization
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
The History of Rocket Science
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

5 stars
90.65%
4 stars
8.46%
3 stars
0.72%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0.14%

Showing 3 of 683

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2024

Fabulous course. Each module starts with a review of previous information which is great for learning the content. I look forward to more offerings like this one, especially in Astronomy.

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

Really nice and quick overview that teaches you ton of trivia that might not be super important for survival, but let you understand what others do to make our survival so easy!

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2024

I enjoyed this excellent overview of satellites. For someone with no background in science or math, it helped my understanding of the rocket launches I love to watch. Thank you!

View more reviews

Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.