Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology
Technical University of Munich
Information last verified July 2026
Rank #22
Program Overview
The Master’s degree program in Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology (ESPACE) is an interdisciplinary program positioned at the interface between space technology and the engineering and natural scientific use of satellite data.
It is conducted as a two year master's degree program with the option of a Double Degree in cooperation with the Wuhan University, China. ESPACE combines the technical aspects of the satellite and observation systems with scientific and commercial applications. This requires interdisciplinary knowledge beyond the borders of different engineering disciplines such as geodesy, mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as physics, informatics and geosciences.
The Master’s degree program in Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology (ESPACE) is an interdisciplinary program positioned at the interface between space technology and the engineering and natural scientific use of satellite data. It is conducted as a two year master's degree program with the option of a Double Degree in cooperation with the Wuhan University, China. ESPACE combines the technical aspects of the satellite and observation systems with scientific and commercial applications. This requires interdisciplinary knowledge beyond the borders of different engineering disciplines such as geodesy, mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as physics, informatics and geosciences.
The goal of the ESPACE Master’s degree program is to train students to become experts in the use and development of satellites in the three main areas of earth system science, remote sensing and navigation. Students acquire fundamental knowledge and competencies in these three fields as a general basis, as well as the interfaces among them in order to be able to link technological know-how with practical application. They simultaneously learn the necessary basics of signal processing, sensor technology, orbital mechanics and space technology, so that they are in a position to help plan and develop future missions for the above-mentioned areas.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate with a M.Sc. in ESPACE, you are qualified to start a career in international aerospace agencies, as well as national or international research institutes or universities. Further possibilities are offered by the aerospace technology industry and generally by companies in the area of navigation, logistics, Earth observation and security-related applications.
Program Curriculum
The first two semesters provide a strong foundation in space engineering, covering the planning, design, and execution of satellite missions, as well as the scientific methods required to evaluate, analyze, and interpret satellite data. It also includes an introduction to remote sensing, geosciences, and navigation, along with expertise in spacecraft technology, orbital mechanics, and attitude and orbit control.
In the third semester onward, students can specialize in Earth System Science, Remote Sensing, or Navigation, allowing them to develop a focused expertise.
The three available specializations focus on different applications of satellite data analysis, each aimed at monitoring and understanding our planet:
• Earth System Science: Satellite data forms the basis for studies on global change and the modeling of geophysical processes, such as those related to climate, the water cycle, or geodynamics. A specialization in Earth System Science provides expertise in modeling these complex processes and includes lectures in oceanography, atmospheric physics, and geophysical fluid dynamics, among others.
• Remote sensing: key technology for acquiring geoinformation. It involves the use and interpretation of measurements from various sensors, such as radar, laser, thermal, or optical cameras. Remote sensing data is crucial for understanding and modeling the complex Earth system, environmental monitoring, updating geographic information systems (GIS), and addressing security-related issues, particularly in remote or inaccessible areas. The Remote Sensing specialization includes lectures on image processing, geoinformation, photogrammetry, and advanced remote sensing.
• Navigation: Today, traffic control and modern logistics rely on reliable navigation systems such as GPS or the European GALILEO system. The key component of these systems is accurate positioning. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) also play a crucial role in measuring geodynamic processes, including plate motion, deformation monitoring, and precise orbit determination of satellites. The Navigation specialization provides advanced knowledge of processing techniques and hardware aspects of precise positioning.
The fourth semester is dedicated entirely to the Master’s thesis, which is then defended in a public Master’s colloquium.
For more information on the contents of the ESPACE Master’s program, please have a look on the Degree Program Documentation.
Admission Requirements
• Degree Certificate: A bachelor degree or diploma from a recognized university in engineering, natural science or a related field as well as very good previous academic performance. If your degree certificate is not yet available at the time of application, you may only apply if you can prove that you have earned at least 140 credits.
• English language certificate: The language of instruction is English. Students whose native language or language of instruction is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an acknowledged language test such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (with a minimum of 88 points), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (with a minimum of 6.5 points), or the Cambridge Main Suite of English Examinations; if, in the undergraduate program, 30 credits were obtained for examinations administered in English-language examination modules or if the final thesis was written in English (at least 12 credits), adequate proficiency in the English language is deemed proven. German language proficiency is not required to follow the ESPACE program, but basic knowledge of the German language is helpful for everyday life.
Degree Certificate: A bachelor degree or diploma from a recognized university in engineering, natural science or a related field as well as very good previous academic performance. If your degree certificate is not yet available at the time of application, you may only apply if you can prove that you have earned at least 140 credits.
English language certificate: The language of instruction is English. Students whose native language or language of instruction is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an acknowledged language test such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (with a minimum of 88 points), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (with a minimum of 6.5 points), or the Cambridge Main Suite of English Examinations; if, in the undergraduate program, 30 credits were obtained for examinations administered in English-language examination modules or if the final thesis was written in English (at least 12 credits), adequate proficiency in the English language is deemed proven.
German language proficiency is not required to follow the ESPACE program, but basic knowledge of the German language is helpful for everyday life.
3. Competences in Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science: ESPACE applicants are expected to show the ability for profound methodological scientific work. Admission requires a solid mathematical and physics background and basic knowledge in programming.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
Semester contribution ~€150 + possible non-EU surcharge
Non-EU students pay additional tuition (~€2,000–3,000/semester). Semester fee covers Deutschlandticket for public transport in Bavaria.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
TUM offers semester contributions (~€150) plus public transport in Bavaria (Deutschlandticket). Non-EU students may pay additional tuition fees (~€2,000–3,000/semester). Funding: DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, BayBAföG (Bavarian student grants), TUM scholarships.
About Technical University of Munich
Technical University of Munich
Munich, Germany
TheTechnical University of Munich(TUMorTU Munich;German:Technische Universität München) is apublicresearch universityinMunich,Bavaria,Germany. It specializes inengineering,technology,medicine,...
University Profile- Start Date Winter Semester (October)
- Language English
- Duration 4 semesters
- Credits 120 ECTS
