Apply now
Master'sAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space Applications open

Master’s in Space Debris & Space Traffic Management Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in space debris management and space traffic management engineering: 12 modules covering the debris environment and its modelling, space surveillance, orbit determination, conjunction assessment, collision avoidance, mitigation regulations, re-entry, active debris removal, traffic management and sustainability, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Characterise the space debris environment and its evolution models.

02

Apply surveillance and tracking techniques to objects in orbit.

03

Calculate collision probability and design avoidance manoeuvres.

04

Assess compliance with mitigation and re-entry standards.

05

Design deorbiting and active debris removal strategies.

06

Analyse space traffic management frameworks and international coordination.

07

Propose sustainability policies for space operations.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Space situational awareness analysts working with catalogues and surveillance data.
  • Flight dynamics engineers handling conjunctions and avoidance manoeuvres.
  • Debris mitigation engineers responsible for compliance and end-of-life planning.
  • Collision avoidance operators who process CDMs every day.
  • Space sustainability consultants advising operators and agencies.
  • Active removal mission engineers working on non-cooperative targets.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to join satellite operators.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 24113 (space debris mitigation requirements)
  • IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines (inter-agency debris guidelines)
  • COPUOS Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines (UN guidelines for sustainable space activities)
  • ESA Space Debris Mitigation Requirements ESSB-ST-U-007 (ESA debris requirements)
  • NASA-STD-8719.14 (process for limiting orbital debris)
  • ISO 16158 (avoiding collisions among orbiting objects)
  • CCSDS 508.0-B (Conjunction Data Message)
  • ISO 27852 (estimation of orbit lifetime)
  • ESA DRAMA
  • ESA MASTER
  • NASA ORDEM
  • STK (Systems Tool Kit)
  • Orekit
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Object populations in LEO, MEO and GEO
  2. 1.2Sources: fragmentations, rocket bodies, ejecta
  3. 1.3Kessler syndrome and the cascade effect
  4. 1.4Historical events: Fengyun-1C and Iridium-Cosmos
  5. 1.5Micrometeoroids versus artificial debris
  6. 1.6Size and flux distributions
  7. 1.7Mega-constellations and population growth
  8. 1.8Environmental capacity indicators
  9. 1.9Public databases and catalogues
  10. 1.10Case study: analysis of the object catalogue
  1. 2.1MASTER and ORDEM reference models
  2. 2.2NASA Standard Breakup fragmentation models
  3. 2.3Long-term evolution models
  4. 2.4Monte Carlo scenario simulations
  5. 2.5Impact flux on a satellite
  6. 2.6Modelling uncertainties
  7. 2.7Validation with radar and optical measurements
  8. 2.8Mitigation compliance scenarios
  9. 2.9Object criticality metrics
  10. 2.10Practical exercise: debris flux with ESA MASTER
  1. 3.1Space situational awareness systems
  2. 3.2Surveillance and tracking radars
  3. 3.3Optical telescopes and observation networks
  4. 3.4Satellite laser ranging
  5. 3.5Observation correlation and cataloguing
  6. 3.6The EU SST programme and associated services
  7. 3.7The United States surveillance network
  8. 3.8Data from commercial operators
  9. 3.9Space-based surveillance sensors
  10. 3.10Workshop: design of an optical observation campaign
  1. 4.1TLE elements and the SGP4 model
  2. 4.2Least-squares orbit determination
  3. 4.3Covariance and uncertainty realism
  4. 4.4Atmospheric drag and solar activity
  5. 4.5Solar radiation pressure
  6. 4.6High-precision numerical propagation
  7. 4.7CCSDS orbit data message formats
  8. 4.8Operator ephemerides and sharing
  9. 4.9Typical errors and their mitigation
  10. 4.10Lab: propagation with Orekit
  1. 5.1Detection of close approaches
  2. 5.2Conjunction Data Messages (CDM)
  3. 5.3Collision probability in short encounters
  4. 5.4Foster, Alfano and Patera methods
  5. 5.5Long and non-linear encounters
  6. 5.6Decision and action thresholds
  7. 5.7Coordination between operators
  8. 5.8Automation of the collision avoidance process
  9. 5.9Data quality indicators
  10. 5.10Practical exercise: collision probability calculation
  1. 6.1Design of avoidance manoeuvres
  2. 6.2Optimisation of propellant consumption
  3. 6.3Impact on the mission and the service
  4. 6.4Manoeuvres for satellites with electric propulsion
  5. 6.5Coordination with third parties and priorities
  6. 6.6Avoidance in autonomous constellations
  7. 6.7Post-manoeuvre assessment
  8. 6.8Risks of uncoordinated manoeuvres
  9. 6.9Lessons learned from operators
  10. 6.10Case study: manoeuvre decision following a CDM
  1. 7.1IADC guidelines
  2. 7.2ISO 24113 and associated documents
  3. 7.3ESA and NASA mitigation requirements
  4. 7.4The 25-year rule and its revision to five years
  5. 7.5Passivation and explosion prevention
  6. 7.6Graveyard orbits in GEO
  7. 7.7Design for demise
  8. 7.8COPUOS long-term sustainability guidelines
  9. 7.9National legislation and licences
  10. 7.10Workshop: compliance verification with DRAMA
  1. 8.1Orbital lifetime estimation
  2. 8.2Controlled and uncontrolled deorbiting
  3. 8.3Fragment survivability analysis
  4. 8.4Casualty risk on the ground
  5. 8.5Re-entry prediction and windows
  6. 8.6Drag devices and deorbit sails
  7. 8.7Propulsion for end-of-life disposal
  8. 8.8Re-entry of large rocket bodies
  9. 8.9Public communication of re-entries
  10. 8.10Practical exercise: ground risk analysis
  1. 9.1Selection of priority targets
  2. 9.2Capture with nets, harpoons and arms
  3. 9.3Contactless capture and ion beam interaction
  4. 9.4ClearSpace-1 and ELSA-d missions
  5. 9.5Navigation towards non-cooperative objects
  6. 9.6Deorbiting the captured stack
  7. 9.7Costs and funding of removal
  8. 9.8Legal aspects of object ownership
  9. 9.9Assessment of environmental benefit
  10. 9.10Case study: selection of removal targets
  1. 10.1Space traffic management concepts
  2. 10.2Analogies with air traffic management
  3. 10.3Rules of the road and right of way
  4. 10.4Data sharing and transparency
  5. 10.5Satellite identification standards
  6. 10.6Spectrum and orbital coordination
  7. 10.7European Union and United States initiatives
  8. 10.8International governance and COPUOS
  9. 10.9Insurance and liability for collisions
  10. 10.10Workshop: proposal for traffic rules in LEO
  1. 11.1Space sustainability indices
  2. 11.2Environmental footprint of missions
  3. 11.3Responsible constellation design
  4. 11.4Reliability of end-of-life disposal
  5. 11.5Astronomical observation and satellite brightness
  6. 11.6Industry initiatives and Zero Debris
  7. 11.7Circular economy in space
  8. 11.8Communication and awareness
  9. 11.9Technology and market trends
  10. 11.10Case study: sustainability assessment of a constellation
  1. 12.1Definition of the study problem
  2. 12.2Review of regulations and the state of the art
  3. 12.3Modelling of the environment or scenario
  4. 12.4Collision or re-entry risk analysis
  5. 12.5Design of the proposed solution
  6. 12.6Regulatory compliance assessment
  7. 12.7Economic and sustainability analysis
  8. 12.8Conclusions and recommendations
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis: written report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ESA DRAMA, ESA MASTER, NASA ORDEM, STK (Systems Tool Kit) and Orekit, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for conjunction analysis with CDM messages, orbital lifetime and re-entry estimation, and mitigation compliance assessment. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ISO 24113, IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines, COPUOS Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines, ESA Space Debris Mitigation Requirements ESSB-ST-U-007, NASA-STD-8719.14, ISO 16158, CCSDS 508.0-B, ISO 27852.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ISO 24113, the IADC guidelines and the COPUOS long-term sustainability guidelines applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:ESA DRAMA, ESA MASTER, NASA ORDEM, STK (Systems Tool Kit) and Orekit, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete study of a debris or space traffic problem, from environment modelling and risk analysis to the proposed solution, regulatory compliance and sustainability assessment, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Problem and regulations
Define the study problem and review the regulations and state of the art.
Environment modelling
Model the debris environment or the operational scenario.
Risk analysis
Analyse the collision or re-entry risk.
Solution and compliance
Design the proposed solution and assess its regulatory compliance and sustainability.
Master's Thesis
Present the complete study with conclusions and recommendations, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Space situational awareness analystFlight dynamics engineerDebris mitigation engineerCollision avoidance operatorSpace sustainability consultantActive debris removal mission engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with ESA DRAMA, ESA MASTER, NASA ORDEM, STK (Systems Tool Kit) and Orekit, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the programme software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Master's6,610 $

Master’s in Aerospace Additive Manufacturing and Qualification Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in aerospace additive manufacturing and qualification engineering. 12 modules covering AM processes, metal powders, melt-pool physics, design for additive manufacturing,…

1900 hOnlineAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Master's11,090 $

Master’s in Aviation Accident Investigation Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in aircraft accident investigation engineering. 12 modules covering the investigation framework, initial response and site management, flight recorders, data analysis…

1900 hOnlineAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Master's9,970 $

Master’s in CAMO & Continuing Airworthiness Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in CAMO and continuing airworthiness engineering. 12 modules covering Regulation (EU) 1321/2014, Part CAMO, Part M and Part 145, maintenance…

1900 hOnlineAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Master’s in Space Debris & Space Traffic Management EngineeringEnrol
Related programmes

More in Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space

Master’s in Urban Operations and Airspace Integration EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Mission Avionics and SystemsView programme →Master’s in MBSE for Aerospace EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Airport Planning and Design EngineeringView programme →Master’s in UAM / eVTOL / U-Space EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Aeronautical Hybrid-Electric Propulsion EngineeringView programme →

All Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.