Rocket Science for Everyone

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Rocket Science for Everyone

Instructor: Marla Geha

Top Instructor

24,660 already enrolled

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

680 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

99%

Most learners liked this course

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

680 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

99%

Most learners liked this course

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

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Assessments

3 assignments

Taught in English

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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 Course24,660 learners

Offered by

Yale University

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5 stars
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Showing 3 of 680

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!

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2024

I really enjoyed Module 2 and 3 with the mathematics to explain orbits and multi-stage rockets. The course was interesting on the whole and clearly presented. Thank you.

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Awesome Course and an Awesome Professor but a Yale University Logo/Seal should've been there on the certificate. It would've looked cool but never mind.

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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.