This course is an intuitive introduction to rocket science in our everyday lives.
Rocket Science for Everyone
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Rocket Science for Everyone
Instructor: Marla Geha
Top Instructor
13,827 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(357 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
5 hours to complete
3 weeks at 1 hour a week
Flexible schedule
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
Recently updated!
July 2024
Assessments
3 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 5 modules in this course
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
2 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
11 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
5.0 (189 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Physics and Astronomy
University of Colorado Boulder
American Museum of Natural History
Università di Napoli Federico II
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
Showing 3 of 357
4.9
357 reviews
- 5 stars
89.97%
- 4 stars
8.63%
- 3 stars
1.11%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
0.27%
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. 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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.