What Is Meant By Space Science?

Space science is an all-encompassing term that describes most all of the various science fields that are concerned with the study of the Universe, generally also meaning "excluding the Earth" and "outside of the Earth's atmosphere".

Originally, all of these space science fields were considered part of astronomy. However, in recent years the major sub-fields within astronomy, such as astrophysics, have grown so large that they are now considered separate fields on their own.

Within the field of space science are eight overall categories that can generally be described on their own:

• Astrophysics – Studies the behaviour, physical properties and dynamic processes of celestial objects and phenomena.
• Galactic Science – Studies of matter in the Milky Way and other galaxies.
• Stellar Science – Study of stars and stellar evolution.
• Non-Earth Planetary Science – Includes studies of planetary science, planets, comets, asteroids and others.
• Biology of Other Planets – Study of the theoretical basis for life on other bodies other than Earth.
• Astronautics/Space Travel – Exploration of space by travel through it, either in person or by machine.
• Space Colonisation – All of the scientific disciplines needed to build colonies on non-Earth planets and planetoids.
• Space Defence – Science of defending the Earth from natural or unnatural threats from space.

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