Space science

A laser-guided observation of the Milky Way Galaxy at the Paranal Observatory in Chile in 2010.

The term space science may mean:

The study of issues specifically related to space travel and space exploration, including space medicine.^[1]
Science performed in outer space (see space research).
The study of everything in outer space;^[2] this is sometimes called astronomy, but more recently astronomy can also be regarded as a division of broader space science, which has grown to include other related fields.^[3]

Divisions of space science [edit]

One proposed timeline of the origin of space, from physical cosmology.

Stellar astronomy - the study of stars
- Solar astronomy - the study of our Sun
Planetary science - the study of planets, especially those other than Earth
Galactic astronomy - the study of our Milky Way Galaxy
Extragalactic astronomy - the study of the larger universe beyond the Milky Way
Physical cosmology - the study of the origin, large-scale structure, and space-time relationships of the universe

See astronomical object for a list of specific types of entities which scientists study. See Earth's location in the universe for an orientation.

A simulated-color map of the surface of Venus as measured by synthetic aperture radar on the Magellan probe.

The Helix Nebula, NGC7293.

Comet Tempel 1 67 seconds after colliding with the Deep Impact probe.

Astrobiology
Astrochemistry or Cosmochemistry
Astrophysics - the intersection of physics and space science, the study of the physics of extraterrestrial objects and interstitial spaces
- Space plasma physics
- Orbital mechanics or astrodynamics, which also has applications to spacecraft
Planetary science - overlaps with Earth science
- Planetary geology
Micro-g environment research
Forensic astronomy
Space archaeology - the study of human artifacts in outer space
Archaeoastronomy - the history of human understanding of the universe
Astronautics is the science and engineering of spacefaring and spaceflight, a subset of Aerospace engineering (which includes atmospheric flight)
- Aerospace engineering
- Control engineering
- Orbital mechanics
- Spacecraft design for launch vehicles and satellites
- Space environment - study of conditions that affect the operation of spacecraft
- Spacecraft propulsion
- Space food
- Space logistics
- Space medicine

Observational astronomy - Observatories on the ground as well as space observatories take measurements of celestial entities and phenomena
- Astrometry - studies the position and movements of celestial objects
- Amateur astronomy
Theoretical astronomy - mathematical modelling of celestial entities and phenomena