6 Summary
As you can see, there are lots of exciting potential fields of future research in space!
Now is a good time to revisit the learning outcomes for this week. Here is a summary of what you have covered.
- You have considered the challenges in training to become an astronaut
- You have considered the future of space research
- You have looked at the current microgravity research and considered future areas of microgravity research.

You also looked at the almost overwhelming criteria needed to become a NASA astronaut. This course, however, didn’t cover all the other ‘ground-based’ careers which you could explore if you were interested in a career in space research, for example drop-tower experiments, research and development. If, after this course, you are interested in finding out more, and want to consider pursuing a degree in science, The Open University has a range of courses which can help you to achieve this.
- S111 Question in Science [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]
- SM123 Physics and Space
- S217 Physics from classical to quantum
- S283 Planetary science and the search for life
- S284 Astronomy