Watch The Future of Space Exploration

2025
1 Season

Taught by aerospace engineer and executive Dr. Ariel Ekblaw, this course explores the exciting future of space exploration—from ambitious missions to the Moon and Mars to the next generation of space stations. Discover how we're getting there, what we'll do, and how space travel may soon become accessible to ordinary citizens.

The Future of Space Exploration is a series that ran for 1 seasons (11 episodes) between August 21, 2025 and on The Great Courses

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Seasons

12. The New Ethical Problems of Space

August 21, 2025

As humans spread throughout the cosmos, we shouldn

11. Finding Life in the Universe

August 21, 2025

Are we alone? Join the search for extraterrestrial life

10. Using Space to Benefit Life on Earth

August 21, 2025

Thriving in space means harnessing its resources to benefit humanity.

9. Space Tourism and the Overview Effect

August 20, 2025

Look ahead to the future of space tourism, which could feature orbiting resorts offering one-of-a-kind sports, cuisines, and entertainments that are possible only in zero-g. Hear from pioneering space tourists who extol the exhilarating journey, the unmatched sensation of weightlessness, and, above all, the breathtaking view of Earth-a sight they describe as both spiritual and transformative.

8. From Surviving to Thriving in Space

August 20, 2025

We've mastered how to survive in space; the next hurdle is how to thrive. Survey creative strategies for tackling the singular challenges of spaceflight: the routine disorientation and sometimes debilitating vertigo and nausea caused by weightlessness, the psychological effects of prolonged confinement, and the need for rewarding outlets like art, music, and other forms of self-expression.

6. Life Support and Futuristic Space Suit Designs

August 21, 2025

As space voyagers venture farther and farther from Earth, they require advanced radiation protection, robust life support systems, and significantly improved spacesuits. Explore the innovative designs that will enable astronauts to thrive in truly alien environments. These technologies have potential applications on Earth, including radiation therapy, air purification, water recycling, and more.

5. Next-Generation Space Stations

August 21, 2025

Dr. Ekblaw describes her own groundbreaking work on the next generation of space architecture: a self-assembling, reconfigurable structure capable of constructing itself in space

4. The Future of Living in Space

August 21, 2025

Trace the history of Earth-orbiting space stations

3. Dare Mighty Things: Destination Mars

August 21, 2025

The next destination after the Moon is Mars. Consider how much more perilous this mission will be, with the vast distance from Earth, extended mission duration, harsh radiation, and little prospect of rescue if anything goes wrong. Also investigate the problem of landing on Mars and surviving there for many months before return to Earth is possible. Hear about the detailed planning now underway.

2. To Boldly Go Again: Back to the Moon

August 21, 2025

More than 50 years after the Apollo Program, humans are heading back to the Moon. But why return, and what

1. Innovating the New Space Frontier

August 21, 2025

In this first episode, Dr. Ekblaw looks at the thrilling future of space exploration, being fueled by groundbreaking advances in rocketry and other space technologies. Discover how private companies are shaping this new frontier, while NASA continues to play a vital leadership role. Gain insights into the major players, and hear from some of the leading authorities who are featured in the course.

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Where to Watch The Future of Space Exploration

The Future of Space Exploration is available for streaming on the The Great Courses website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Future of Space Exploration on demand at Prime Video and Amazon.