Major overview
This course is one of 16 majors offered in the Bachelor of Science.
This course will give you the skills for careers in space exploration, planetary geology, astrobiology, remote sensing, space system design, space operations, and other areas of space research and industry.
You will develop 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. You can also tailor your studies to more technical careers – such as space system design, geospatial technology, mechatronic engineering, data science, artificial intelligence and software development.
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 should increase across diverse space and planetary science industries in Australia and globally.
Advanced Science (Honours)
Space and Planetary Science is also available as an Advanced Science (Honours) major. The course focuses on project-based learning, leadership and entrepreneurship, and includes a research project in honours year (fourth year).
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Career outcomes
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
Why study at Curtin?
Unique in Western Australia
Curtin is one of few universities in Australia, and the only one in WA, that offers an undergraduate program in space and planetary sciences (without a focus on astrophysics).
Global industry partnerships
Curtin’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Space Science and Technology Centre have a legacy of engagements with NASA, ESA, JAXA, and CNSA space missions, as well as Apollo-era lunar sample work.
Renowned research strength
Curtin has a renowned space and planetary research program led by world-leading planetary scientists, remote sensing specialists and engineers who partner with students for applied project experiences.
Major structure
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.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Explore more
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