Executive Short Course on Space Project Management

 

Introduction:

The United Nations-affiliated Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education, established under the auspices of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), play a critical role in advancing space capacity-building worldwide. Their core mission is to strengthen the capabilities of Member States, particularly developing countries, in space science, technology, and applications through specialized education, research, and training programmes.

In response to a growing demand from Member States—many of whom are now launching national space programmes and developing independent space missions—there is a clear need to foster technical and managerial skills in space project development and execution. This emerging demand highlights a significant gap in the availability of structured training focused specifically on space project management, a discipline essential for ensuring the successful planning, implementation, and oversight of complex space initiatives.

As part of an ongoing effort to enhance cooperation and coordination among Regional Centres and to better support Member States in achieving their space ambitions, this initiative proposes a dedicated Executive Short Course on Space Project Management. This course is designed to equip professionals, decision-makers, and emerging leaders in the space domain with the necessary knowledge and tools to manage space projects effectively aligning educational offerings with real-world space programme requirements and best practices from the global space industry.

 

Program Overview

Duration:

 

3-8 November 2025.

6 days, 4 hours/day

 

Target Audience:

Space industry professionals, project managers, engineers, and decision-makers seeking to understand space project management principles and practices.

 

 

-Online Study:

No course fees and no registration fees (fees are waived).

 

-In-person Study:

No course fees and no registration fees (fees are waived). Participants shall cover their own transportation and meal expenses. Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations) will provide double-room accommodation for selected applicants based on merit.

 

Add: Hangzhou International Innovation Institute, Beihang University, Hangzhou, China

杭州市北京航空航天大学国际创新研究院（北京航空航天大学国际创新学院）

166 Shuanghongqiao Street, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, China

浙江省杭州市余杭区双红桥街166号

 

Application Website: https://biss.buaa.edu.cn/Application/Online_Application.htm

 

Application Deadline: October 10, 2025 (OCT 10, 2025)

 

General Learning Outcomes:

The course will cover essential lectures while also ensuring engagement and actionable takeaways for target audiences in the space industry or related fields.

· Equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the space project lifecycle, including technical, financial, and managerial aspects, from mission concept to operations and decommissioning.

· Develop practical skills in systems engineering, risk management, budgeting, and decision-making, tailored to the unique challenges of space missions and informed by real-world case studies and simulations.

· Strengthen participants’ capacity to contribute to national or regional space programmes, through exposure to global best practices, emerging technologies, and expert insights from leading space agencies and organizations.

 

 

Mr. Driss EL HADANI (DH), Prof. Jingnong Weng (JW), Dr. Jie CHEN (JC), Dr. Farid Gamgami (FG), EgSA Team (ET), Prof. Xiaozhou Yu (XY), Prof. Gongling Sun (GS), Natalia Larrea (NL)

 

 

Day 1 – Overview and Introduction - Learning Outcomes  

Provide an overview of the unique challenges and opportunities in managing space projects.

1. Overview of the Space Industry Ecosystem

§ Key space players, trends, and market dynamics (government agencies, private companies, etc.)

§ Types of space missions (exploration, communication, research, commercial)

2. What is Space Project Management?

§ Definition, scope, and differences from other industries

§ The life cycle of a space project

3. What is Space Systems Engineering?

§ Definition of 3 level of Space Systems Engineering

§ Identify the many parts of space mission design

 

Day 2: Space Engineering - Learning Outcomes 

1. Introduction to Spacecraft Configuration and subsystems

§ Understand and identify the main subsystems of a spacecraft.

§ Analyze design trade-offs in spacecraft configuration.

§ Explain how subsystem requirements influence overall system design.

2. Orbital Mechanics and Space Environment

§ Calculate basic orbital parameters and maneuvers.

§ Understand the effects of the space environment on spacecraft.

§ Evaluate orbital design constraints based on mission requirements.

3. Introduction Space Propulsion and Transportation

§ Describe the principles of rocket propulsion.

§ Differentiate between chemical and electric propulsion systems.

§ Analyze propulsion system selection based on mission profiles.

4. Introduction to Spaceport and TT&C

§ Explain the function and layout of a spaceport.

§ Understand launch operations and constraints.

§ Describe the role and structure of TT&C systems.

 

Day 3 - Budgeting and Cost Control - Learning Outcomes   

1. Space Project Budgeting Overview

§ Understand the components and lifecycle of a space project budget.

§ Develop a basic project cost estimate for a space mission.

§ Identify key cost drivers in space system development.

2. Managing Large Budgets

§ Manage and track large-scale project budgets across multiple stakeholders.

§ Interpret financial reports and integrate them with technical progress.

§ Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) in a space project context.

3. Cost Control Mechanisms

§ Implement cost control strategies in space projects.

§ Identify early indicators of cost overruns.

§ Use management tools to maintain budget discipline.

4. Cost Optimization

§ Apply cost-benefit analysis to space system design and operations.

§ Make design trade-offs that reduce lifecycle costs without compromising mission success.

§ Use tools and strategies for cost-effective mission planning.

 

Day 4: Project Plan and Risk Management - Learning Outcomes    

1. Phase 1: Concept and Feasibility Space Project Life Cycle

• Describe the standard life cycle phases of a space project.

• Identify the goals, activities, and deliverables for each phase.

• Understand the relationship between the life cycle and project decision-making.

2. Tools for Project Planning

• Use industry-standard tools for scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning.

• Develop and interpret Gantt charts, network diagrams, and resource allocation plans.

• Apply planning tools to real or simulated space project scenarios.

3. Risk Management

• Understand the principles of risk management in space projects.

• Identify, assess, and prioritize project risks.

• Develop and evaluate mitigation strategies and contingency plans.

4. Space Project Management Case Study

• Analyze a real-world space project using learned project management principles.

• Evaluate successes, challenges, and lessons learned.

 

Day 5: Workshop of Project Management in Practice  

1. Simulation Exercise (1.5 hours):

§ Participants will work in teams to plan a space mission (could be a satellite launch, deep space exploration, or Mars mission).

§ Address risk, budget, and timeline challenges while collaborating with stakeholders.

2. Case Study Analysis and Lessons Learned (1.5 hours):

§ Detailed review of a famous space project (e.g., China Lunar exploration program, ISS)

§ Identify project management best practices and areas for improvement

§ What worked well, and what could have been improved in the simulation and case studies

 

Day 6: Innovations and Future Trends - Learning Outcomes   

1. Small Satellites & CubeSats

§ Understand the design, function, and mission scope of CubeSats and small satellites.

§ Identify advantages, limitations, and use cases of small spacecraft.

§ Appreciate how smallsats are transforming space access and innovation.

2. Private Sector Involvement in Space

§ Recognize the evolving role of private companies in the space sector.

§ Compare public and private approaches to mission planning and funding.

§ Understand how commercial innovation is reshaping global space activity.

3. Future of Space Exploration

§ Identify major near- and long-term goals in space exploration.

§ Discuss current technologies and concepts enabling future missions.

§ Analyze strategic motivations—scientific, commercial, geopolitical—behind space expansion.

 

Proposed Lecturers

1. Mr. Driss EL HADANI (DH, UN), Deputy Director / Senior Advisor, UNOOSA

2. Prof. Jingnong Weng(JW, China), Former Exceutive Director, RCSSTEAP China

3. Dr. Jie CHEN (JC) – Chief Engineer, Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology , China

4. Dr. Farid Gamgami (FG, Germany) – Vice Director Key Lab for Satellite Digital Technology (CAS)

5. Prof. Xiaozhou Yu (XY) - Founder of COSATS , China

6. Prof. Gongling Sun (GS, China) - Principal Scientist RCSSTEAP , China

7. Natalia Larrea (NL) - U.S. Director, Novaspace, USA

8. EgSA Team (ET) - to be decided by EgSA