Master of Science in Strategy (Space Operations) - Curriculum 688

Program Officer

Adam Arndt, CDR, USN

Code 38, Glasgow Hall, Room 336

[phone], DSN 756-3781

[e-mail]

Academic Associate

James (Clay) Moltz, Ph.D.

Code 38, Glasgow Hall Room 394

[phone], DSN 756-1039

[e-mail]

Overview

Strategy (Space Operations) is an inter-disciplinary track within curriculum 688. It is open to U.S. military personnel with a security clearance of Secret or higher, and also to U.S. civilians and international students. Strategy (Space Operations) provides students with social science expertise in policy and strategy, combined with technical knowledge in space science and military space applications. It addresses the Navy’s S&T objectives and provides understanding of contemporary on Great Power Competition.

Courses conveying Phase I JPME certification, as well as selected U.S. Marine Corps PME courses, are available to NSA students while in residence at NPS. JPME courses are taught by the Naval War College satellite program, which is described elsewhere in this Catalogue.

Satisfactory completion of the four-course Naval War College JPME sequence is required for Navy officers in Strategy (Space Operations).

APC

The minimum APC requirement for entry to this degree program is 244.

Convenes

Students may enter in the Fall or Spring quarters. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for quarterly start dates.

Program Length

• For students wishing to complete JPME Phase I, Strategy (Space Operations) is a five quarter (15 month) program.
• For all other students, Strategy (Space Operations) is a four quarter (12 month) program.

Degree

Master of Science in Strategy (Space Operations)

Subspecialty

Navy P-Codes: 2301

Curriculum Requirements

The Strategy (Space Operations) track of curriculum 688 is comprised of required core courses and curricular electives. Core requirements are spelled out below. Three curricular electives are also required. Curricular electives are identified in NSA’s annual Teaching Plan, which is available at https://nps.edu/web/nsa/courses. At least three courses (either required or elective) must be taught at the 4000 level.

In addition to the required courses listed below, U.S. military student must complete NS4000, Great Power Competition: Current Policy and Strategy, a one-credit pass fail course that is delivered entirely on-line. NS4000 does not count as one of the required 4000-level courses mentioned above.

All students in Space Operations must write a Master’s thesis. The first step is completion of NS4080, Thesis Proposal, no later than six months prior to intended graduation. NS4080 does not count as one of the 4000-level courses required above. Thereafter students must enroll twice in NS0810, Thesis Research.

U.S. military students must complete the following core courses:

Course Number	Title	Credits	Lecture Hours	Lab Hours
NS3005	Great Power Conflict in Modern History		4	0
NS3011	Research and Writing for National Security Affairs		4	0
NS3024	Introduction to International Relations		4	0
NS4253	Seminar on Technology and Strategic Planning		4	0
NS4677	Space and International Security		4	0
NS4990	Seminar in Strategic Studies		4	0
SS3011	Space Technology and Applications		3	0
SS3051	Military Applications of DoD and Commercial Space Systems		3	2
SS3613	Military Satellite Communications		3	0
PH3052	Physics of Space and Airborne Sensor Systems		4	0

U.S. civilians and international students must complete the following core courses:

Course Number	Title	Credits	Lecture Hours	Lab Hours
NS3005	Great Power Conflict in Modern History		4	0
NS3011	Research and Writing for National Security Affairs		4	0
NS3024	Introduction to International Relations		4	0
NS4253	Seminar on Technology and Strategic Planning		4	0
NS4677	Space and International Security		4	0
NS4990	Seminar in Strategic Studies		4	0
SS3011	Space Technology and Applications		3	0
SS3610	Space Communications Systems: Fundamentals and Analysis		4	2
PH2514	Introduction to the Space Environment		4	0
PH3052	Physics of Space and Airborne Sensor Systems		4	0

Educational Skill Requirements (ESR)

1. Understand the basic physics of orbital mechanics and the space environment.
2. Demonstrate an ability to examine the design of orbits and constellations and explain how spacecraft maneuver and transfer to other orbits.
3. Understand critical space technologies and the military uses of space, as well as the role of commercial space systems.
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of military satellite communications, systems design, and applications, including terminal design, telemetry control, and IO/IW implications.
5. Understand joint space doctrine and the role of space in force enhancement, including for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, missile tracking, launch detection, environmental monitoring, and position, navigation, and timing.
6. Demonstrate a knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of international relations.
7. Understand the history and current dynamics of Great Power Competition and its linkages to U.S. national strategy.
8. Demonstrate an ability to analyze national security space challenges as affected by international space politics, law, and treaties.
9. Understand the interaction between technology and strategic planning, as well as adaptation in military organizations.