Overview
Overview
This course is one of 16 Bachelor of Science majors offered in 2026.
With the World Economic Forum reporting that the space economy creates value for multiple industries – and forecasting it to soar to $1.8 trillion by 2035 – career opportunities are expected to increase across diverse space and planetary science industries in Australia and globally.
This course explores the structure and evolution of the Solar System, including Earth as a planet, and the practicalities of space missions. You will gain advanced knowledge in space and planetary sciences, and learn the technologies and techniques of gathering and interpreting data that are relevant to planetary and terrestrial geoscience.
To begin with, you'll focus on the fundamentals of mathematics, computing and/or physics, and earth and planetary sciences. You’ll then learn about space research, exploration and industry; and be able to tailor your learning across planetary geology, geochemistry and astrobiology to technology-specific areas such as remote sensing, Earth observation, space environment, space systems and space mission design.
You’ll also explore the historical and cultural contexts, sustainability challenges and ethical aspects of space exploration. In addition, you’ll learn about the fundamental drivers of space exploration – including economic drivers and, through the lens of astrobiology, the aspiration for knowledge about the origins and nature of life in the universe.
In laboratory work, you’ll learn applications of computing, data analysis, remote sensing and space systems, as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques.
Towards the end of your course, you’ll gain knowledge on diverse aspects of space exploration and space missions – including the influence of space environments on equipment and astronauts – and the topics of living, and exploring and assessing resources on the Moon and Mars. This area aligns with international space endeavours such as the NASA Artemis program that includes permanent human presence on the Moon, and the Australian Moon to Mars initiative.
In addition to gaining the knowledge for innovation and operation of space industries, you can tailor your degree for technical careers that incorporate, for example, mechatronic engineering, space system design, AI, software development, data science and geospatial technology, by studying a second major or a minor and specialisations.
During your studies, you’ll also have opportunities for work-integrated learning and research-based projects at the forefront of space and planetary science disciplines.
Advanced Science (Honours)
Space and Planetary Science is also available as an Advanced Science (Honours) course. Advanced Science courses include an embedded honours year (fourth year), in which students lead a defining research project, and a focus on project-based learning, leadership and entrepreneurship. Learn more about Advanced Science (Honours) degrees.
Double degrees
You can study Space and Planetary Science as a double degree with Mechatronic Engineering, Innovation, Law and various Arts majors.
What jobs can the Space and Planetary Science course lead to?
Graduates will be well-positioned for careers in the commercial and government-sponsored space sector, including space exploration and remote sensing, space-based Earth observation, access to space services such as satellite communication, global navigation, and other infrastructure operations. Globally, the space economy is expected to escalate over the next 10 years, and, respectively, the Australian space sector is projected to grow significantly over the next 10 years. ¹ ² ³
Careers
- Planetary and space scientist
- Space research and technology consultant
- Space business developer and industry consultant
- Earth scientist, geoscientist
- Geoscience data analyst
- Remote sensing scientist
- Global navigation systems expert
Industries
- Research, innovation, entrepreneurship
- Space exploration
- Space engineering
- Remote sensing
- Space-based Earth observation
- Global navigation systems and operations
- Defence science and technology
- Government and civil space sector
- Space-enabled services
- Access to space
1. Space: The $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth. World Economic Forum report in knowledge partnership with McKinsey & Company (2024)
2. Advancing Space: Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019–28. Department of Industry, Science and Resources (2019)
3. Western Australian Space Industry Strategy 2024–30. Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation
What you'll learn
- exhibit a well-developed depth and breadth of knowledge and critical understanding of space and planetary science and its application in space exploration and technical innovation, GC1
- select, innovate and apply appropriate methodologies, tools or techniques to address problems in space and planetary science via the design and development of theoretical or practical investigations, and the accurate and ethical collection, analysis, visualisation, and interpretation of data and other forms of evidence, demonstrating awareness of limitations and reliability, GC2
- synthesise, critically evaluate, and communicate information, arguments and ideas around space and planetary science, demonstrating awareness of underlying assumptions and scientific merit; communicate across written, visual and oral modes, in face to face and digital contexts, and for a range of purposes and audiences, GC3
- be adaptable within evolving professional contexts and environments, demonstrating awareness of the global nature of the space sector, the sustainability principles underlying responsible space exploration, and the role of space operations in addressing complex global problems, GC4
- demonstrate integrity and reflective and ethical professional behaviours, including responsible self-direction and collegial collaboration; working safely in diverse environments; showing respect for others’ voices, knowledge, ownership and agency; and cognisance of the regulatory, cultural and professional considerations that apply within the space sector, GC6
- demonstrate a coherent and reflective understanding of the nature of space science, including core ethics, the social and cultural context of space exploration, and the contributions of different global knowledge systems, including Indigenous perspectives and practices, GC5