While academically rigorous, the atmosphere within the Science (SCI) Department will always be relaxed and informal. The Departmental Activities (DAs) will be a natural follow-on from the robust foundation laid down by the SSP Core Lectures (CLs). A highly diverse and interdisciplinary program will be presented with the emphasis very firmly on hands-on activities, debate and discussion. Most activities presented will be brand new to SSP, e.g. two one-day Professional Visits devoted to Science and Technology (as detailed below).

Given the breadth of modern Space Science, DAs will cover numerous issues including:
• Historic analysis of Solar System science missions
• Microgravity studies using an experimental drop tower
• Martian Astrobiology including reduction of primary data from Viking 1 and 2
• Planetary impact cratering
• Hypersonic waves including using an experimental Shock Tube
• Solar observation of flares, prominences, etc., using a hydrogen-alpha filter
• Effects of geomagnetic storms including a ‘second Carrington Event’

Approximately 15 ISU Faculty members and other Space professionals will support the Department at Strasbourg Central Campus or externally (Professional Visit Hosts as well as colleagues joining us via Skype). The international experts hail from France, Germany, India, Luxembourg, Russia, UK, USA, etc. They represent space agencies, government research laboratories, universities, high-tech companies, etc. All have prior experience at ISU in the context of SSP, MSS or both.

Participants will spend a total of two full days off-campus undertaking Professional Visits. The first visit will be to Europe’s most scientifically important and best-preserved impact crater, the Ries Crater in western Bavaria (Germany). The second will be to two cutting-edge New Space companies in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with robust ISU links: ispace and Spire.

The DAs will also include time dedicated to working on the Individual Project (IP). During this time Participants will be able to consult with the Departmental Chair, TA, etc., about all aspects of their IPs including Report and the Presentation.

By the end of DAs, Participants should be able to:
• Summarize and analyze selected Solar System science missions
• Understand and use selected Space Science laboratory and observational tools
• Understand key physical phenomena relating to Astronomy and Planetary Science
• Reduce data from a Space Science mission
• Plan and successfully participate in a Geology Field Trip
• Present and defend a research project (IP) to Faculty