Space Sciences Education Program of Moscow State University

The main purpose of the space sciences education program developed in Moscow State University is to incorporate modern space research in the university and high education and popularize basics of space physics. The First Russian University Satellite "Universitetskiy-Tatyana" launched on January 20, 2005 formed a basis for development of a new approach to the space-physics education. The onboard scientific complex, as well as the mission control and information-receiving center, was designed and developed in Moscow State University. The scientific program of the mission includes measurements of space radiation in various energy ranges, and UV luminosity and lightening from the Earth. Educational materials are concentrated to upper high school, junior and senior university levels. There was developed a special computerized hands-on exercises based on the experimental quasi-realtime data obtained from "Universitetskiy-Tatyana" satellite and other internet resources. Students specialized in space physics from several Russian universities are involved in scientific work based on various scientific data. Moscow State University is now extending its space science education program by creation the electronic textbooks on remote sensing, space factors and materials study, satellite design and development, etc. "Space schools" for university teachers and students were held in 2004 - 2007. The main objective of these schools was to attract interest to space research. The mutual idea of these schools was to join forces of Moscow State University scientists, university teachers and students. For modern university world, it is very important to understand what skills future space scientists and space industry employees must be equipped with. The space sciences educational activity of Moscow State University is a non-profit project and is open for all interested parties.