Certificate Courses

Our Certificate Courses offer the opportunity to study selected Master’s modules without enrolling in the full degree programme. They are designed for professionals, engineers, scientists, and graduates who wish to expand their expertise in specific areas of space engineering while benefiting from the academic quality of TU Berlin.

Participants attend the same courses as students in the Master’s programme and complete the same examinations. Upon successful completion, they receive an official TU Berlin certificate documenting the completed module(s) and the corresponding ECTS credits.

  • Study individual modules from the Master of Space Engineering
  • Gain specialized knowledge in key areas of space engineering
  • Earn an official TU Berlin Certificate
  • Acquire ECTS credits through successful completion of Master’s modules
  • Benefit from flexible, university-level continuing education

Certificate Courses can also serve as a pathway to the Master of Space Engineering. If participants later enrol in the Master’s programme and meet the admission requirements, ECTS credits earned through successfully completed Certificate Courses can be recognized toward the degree in accordance with the applicable Study and Examination Regulations. This allows participants to begin their studies module by module and continue seamlessly into the full Master’s programme.

Certificate Courses are offered in modules of different sizes:

Module Size Tuition Fee
6 ECTS €2,000
9 ECTS €2,700

The tuition fee includes participation in the selected module(s), access to teaching and learning resources, examinations, and the official TU Berlin Certificate upon successful completion.

Certificate Courses are ideal for:

  • Professionals seeking advanced academic qualifications
  • Engineers and scientists wishing to update or deepen their expertise
  • Graduates interested in specialized topics in space engineering
  • Prospective students who are considering enrolment in the Master of Space Engineering

After successfully completing the course requirements, participants receive an official TU Berlin Certificate indicating the completed module(s), achieved learning outcomes, and awarded ECTS credits.

Modules Available as Certificate Courses

Module ECTS Course Times Teaching Mode Asynchronous Study
Fundamentals of Space Technology 9 CP October – Februar 2026/27 Online only Yes
Satellite Technology 6 CP April – July 2027 Online and on Campus Yes
Spacecraft Dynamics and Control 9 CP October – Februar 2026/27 Online and on Campus Partial
Space Sensors and Instruments 6 CP September – Januar 2026/27 Online and on Campus Yes
Spacecraft Propulsion Systems 6 CP April – July 2027 Online and on Campus Partial
Human Spaceflight 6 CP October – Februar 2027/28 Online and on Campus Yes
Space Flight Mechanics 6 CP April – July 2027 Online and on Campus Partial
Introduction to Satellite Geodesy 6 CP April – July 2027 Online and on Campus Yes
Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship 6 CP October – Februar 2026/27 Only on Campus No

Modules Description

Objectives

The module imparts the fundamentals of space technology. Space systems engineers need general knowledge in several technical and programmatic subjects in space engineering. This knowledge allows them to classify their space projects with respect to the application area, space history, space environment, possible orbits, launch vehicle options, and many other aspects. The module also introduces software tools that are relevant to space engineers. The students will be able to use these tools and apply the skills in other modules and in their careers.

Content

  • History of spaceflight
  • The utilization of space
  • Engineering tools (e.g. MATLAB, CAD software, Git, GMAT)
  • Numerical simulations
  • Scientific documentation with LaTeX
  • The space environment
  • Human spaceflight
  • Space systems engineering
  • Rocketry
  • Orbital mechanics
  • Launch vehicles
  • Complexity of satellite systems

Teaching method:

  • Video lectures for self-study, complemented by recorded and live sessions as well as interactive exercises led by subject-matter experts.
  • Graded assignments that must be completed and submitted by the specified deadlines.
  • Participants can choose either an online oral examination via Zoom or an on-campus written examination. Multiple examination slots are available, allowing participants to select a convenient date and time.
  • This course is particularly suitable for participants who prefer to study asynchronously.

Objectives

Satellites are complex systems that consist of payloads and up to seven subsystems that serve to accomplish the mission objectives. This module provides insights about the technologies and design approaches for each satellite subsystem. The knowledge and skills taught in this module are fundamental for space systems engineers.

Content

The module starts with the classification of satellites and their main applications. The module then addresses each of the satellite subsystems one after the other. The main tasks, design drivers, technologies, working principles, budgets, methods and interfaces of each subsystem are discussed. The following subsystems are addressed in this module:

  • Thermal Control Subsystem (TCS)
  • Attitude Control Subsystem (ACS)
  • Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS)
  • On-Board Data Handling (OBDH)
  • Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C)
  • Structure and Mechanisms (S&M)
  • Satellite propulsion

Teaching method:

  • Video lectures for flexible self-study, complemented by interactive exercise sessions led by subject-matter experts.
  • Guest lectures and industry insights delivered by experienced professionals.
  • Online quizzes to support self-assessment and learning progress.
  • Graded assignments that must be completed and submitted by the specified deadlines.
  • Participants can choose either an online oral examination via Zoom or an on-campus written examination. Multiple examination slots are available, allowing participants to select a convenient date and time.
  • This course is particularly suitable for participants who prefer to study asynchronously.

Objectives

In this module, students learn about the dynamics, kinematics altitude determination and control of spacecraft using control theory. Several concepts for altitude control of spacecraft are shown in detail.

Content

  • Mission analysis and requirements on attitude control systems
  • Various possibilities of parameterization of spacecraft attitudes
  • Kinematics of attitude control
  • Rigid body dynamics
  • Attitude determination (deterministically, statistically)
  • Classical control theory (root locus, PID-controller)
  • Model-based state prediction
  • Basics and methods of state control

Basic knowledge of control theory is strongly recommended for this course. Participants without prior exposure to control theory are encouraged to contact us before enrolling. An introductory course covering the fundamentals of control theory is offered during the summer semester (April to July) and can be attended voluntarily in preparation for this course.

Teaching method:

  • Live lectures and live exercises (not recorded).
  • Participants can choose either an online oral examination via Zoom or an on-campus written examination. Multiple examination slots are available, allowing participants to select a convenient date and time.

Objectives

The module gives a technical overview on rocket and spacecraft propulsion systems. Students will understand the basic principles and system solutions for a large variety of propulsion technologies.

Content

  • Theoretical basics of rocket propulsion systems
  • Characteristic parameters of space propulsion
  • Basics of orbital mechanics for spacecraft maneuvers
  • Electric propulsion systems
  • Other non-chemical propulsion systems
  • Solid propulsion systems
  • Hybrid propulsion systems
  • Space propellants
  • Fundamentals of thermodynamics, gas dynamics, and nozzles
  • Liquid propulsion systems
  • Tank design and propellant feed systems
  • Injection system
  • Applications and classification of spacecraft propulsion systems
  • Airbreathing propulsion systems (ramjet and scramjet)

Teaching method:

  • Live lectures and flipped classroom format.
  • In-class exercises for which solutions are provided.
  • Oral examination via Zoom. Multiple examination slots are available, allowing participants to select a convenient date and time.

Objectives

The module covers the basics of remote sensing with spacecraft. Several sensors and instruments in different wavelengths are highlighted in technical detail. The module includes a project in which payload for remote sensing is designed using a systematic approach.

Content

  • Introduction to Earth observation
  • Electromagnetic waves
  • Earth observation system theory
  • Sensor electronics
  • Optical space sensor systems
  • Infrared sensor
  • Sensors for attitude determination of satellites
  • Microwave sensor systems
  • Sensor date processing

Teaching method:

  • The theoretical lectures are streamed, recorded and uploaded. All lecture slides are provided.
  • A group project is conducted in which the design and application of space sensors and instruments are in focus. The weekly group status reports, the final presentation and the project documentation are graded. All participants must present during the graded midterm and final presentations. The day and time can be agreed upon with the lecturer. All participants must contribute to the graded documentation.

Objectives

The space industry is demanding for systems engineers capable of planning a space mission from project initiation to completion. This module introduces the programmatic aspects of space mission planning and operations. This involves acquiring a robust knowledge on the international standards and activities in astronautics. One focus of the module is set on gaining competencies in planning a space mission through its whole life cycle. Another focus is set on mission operations, which covers the theoretical aspects of ground stations and mission control structures, as well as handling procedures for mission operations

Content

  • Introduction to ECSS standards
  • Space activities of ESA, DLR, CNES
  • Basics of space operations
  • Satellite operations
  • Regulatory aspects for space missions (space law)
  • Ground station architectures
  • Tools for space mission planning
  • Basics of space mission planning
  • Project on mission design

Teaching method:

  • Video lectures for self-study, complemented by recorded and live sessions as well as interactive exercises.
  • Online quizzes to support self-assessment and learning progress.
  • As part of the course, participants complete a satellite mission design project and present their results in a graded presentation.
  • Participants can choose either an online oral examination via Zoom or an on-campus written examination. Multiple examination slots are available, allowing participants to select a convenient date and time.

Objectives

Human spaceflight is increasingly becoming a key driver in the world’s total expenditure in the space domain, with many space agencies announcing the realization of future permanent crewed habitats on extra-terrestial environments. The module introduces students to the challenges and solutions of humans living and working in space from a technical and psychological aspect. Students start with the medical and psychological processes of adaptation to space environments, and continue with the module to build their engineering skills and design innovative strategies to mitigate the harsh space environment on humans.

Content

Technical Aspects of Human Spaceflight:

  • Protection and mitigation against micro meteorites, micro-gravity, thermal environment, radiation
  • Regenerative life support systems
  • Human space law
  • Space suits
  • In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)
  • Analog studies

Space Psychology:

  • Microgravity and changed day-night-cycle as specific stress factors of the space environment
  • Physiological problems of adaption to zero-gravity
  • Effect of microgravity on cognitive and psychomotor functions and performance
  • Psychological effects of isolation and confinement on performance
  • Mental stat and sozio-psychological processes within astronaut crews
  • Psychological aspects of selection, training and support of astronauts
  • History of crewed spaceflight

Teaching mode:

  • Recorded live lectures.
  • The lectures of the Technical Aspects of Human Spaceflight are complemented by external guest seminars as well as with a project, which aims to design a new strategy or subsystem for humans to live and work sustainably in space.
  • The theoretical lectures of Space Psychology are complemented by group discussions and group work within the lecture.
  • The lectures of the Technical Aspects of Human Spaceflight are complemented by external guest seminars as well as with a graded project, which aims to design a new strategy or subsystem for humans to live and work sustainably in space.
  • Participants can choose either an online oral examination via Zoom or an on-campus written examination. Multiple examination slots are available, allowing participants to select a convenient date and time.

Objectives

The module covers the basics of space flight mechanics. For practical application in mission design processes, students shall learn about celestial mechanics, time and reference systems, perturbations on satellite trajectories.

Content

  • Two-body problem
  • Undisturbed satellite orbits
  • Time- and reference systems
  • Gravitational and non-gravitational forces
  • Perturbation theory
  • Orbit integration
  • Special orbits
  • Relative motion
  • Interplanetary orbits and launch trajectories
  • Special problems of orbital mechanics
  • Impulsive orbit transitions
  • Re-entry of spacecraft
  • Applications

Teaching method:

  • Live lectures and live exercises (not recorded).
  • Participants can choose either an online oral examination via Zoom or an on-campus written examination. Multiple examination slots are available, allowing participants to select a convenient date and time.

Objectives

In this module, students are introduced to the fundamentals in satellite geodesy, celestial mechanics and primary space geodetic techniques. After completing the module, the students are familiar with the most important observation methods in space geodesy and data analysis. They know the strengths and weaknesses of the individual techniques, how they contribute to measuring the three pillars of geodesy (Earth shape, Earth rotation and Earth gravity field) and what type of phenomena and processes in the Earth system they can observe and monitor. They understand that only the integrated analysis of a variety of complementary sensors allows the separation of different processes of global change in the Earth system.

Content

Geodetic reference systems, Space- and ground-based geodetic observation techniques, Various types of coordinates, conversion and transformation of coordinates and time scales, Estimation of station motion and surface deformation, Global gravity field determination methods, Orbit determination methods, Determination of Earth orientation.

Teaching methods:

  • Video lectures for flexible self-study, complemented by interactive exercise sessions.
  • Graded assignments that must be completed and submitted by the specified deadlines.
  • Oral examination via Zoom. Multiple examination slots are available, allowing participants to select a convenient date and time.

Objectives

This course is a hands-on entrepreneurship and Innovation bootcamp designed for students who want to build, test, and pitch ideas in the real world.Instead of focusing purely on theory, you will learn how to think and act like an entrepreneur – whether you aim to launch a startup or bring innovation into an existing organization. From day one, you’ll work on real problems, develop solution concepts, and turn them into tangible business opportunities.

By the end of the course, you will have gone from identifying a relevant problem to building and pitching an investor-ready startup concept. Along the way, you’ll gain practical experience with modern tools, frameworks, and methods used by founders today – supported by guest speakers, interactive sessions, and real-world challenges

Content

  • Opportunity discovery: identifying real-world problems worth solving
  • Idea validation: testing assumptions and finding product-market fit
  • Lean startup & rapid experimentation: build-measure-learn cycles
  • Business model design: creating scalable and viable ventures
  • Entrepreneurial mindset: effectuation, resilience, and decision-making under uncertainty
  • Go-to-market strategies: reaching your first users and customers
  • Storytelling & pitching: communicating ideas to investors and stakeholders
  • Team dynamics & founder roles: building and working in high-performing teams
  • Innovation in practice: applying agile and human-centered methods
  • Industry perspectives: insights from founders, operators, and innovators

Teaching method:

  • Lectures in the form of short input sessions.
  • Self-study of lecture materials, supplemented by suggested and/or provided books, articles, videos, podcasts, blogs, and other relevant resources.
  • Hands-on experimentation, with feedback provided both individually and in groups.
  • Team projects and team presentations.
  • Individual and group coaching.
  • Engagement with experts and practitioners in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as with current topics and developments in the field.
  • Preparation for presentations and pitches, supported by targeted coaching and feedback.
  • Interaction with key innovation and entrepreneurship hubs in Berlin, including technology centres, co-working spaces, and other relevant ecosystems.

Would you like to book a module or have questions?

If you want to talk, please call us at +49 30 314 25 922, send us a message or book a Zoom appointment.