Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology M. Sc.
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.
What you'll learn for your future?
The goal of the Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology (ESPACE) Master’s degree program is to gain graduates who become experts in the use and development of satellites in the three areas of specialization: (1) Earth System Science from Space, (2) Remote Sensing and (3) Navigation.
You acquire fundamental knowledge and basic competencies in the three core areas satellite and remote sensing data analysis, space engineering and satellite application engineering as a general basis, as well as the interfaces among them in order to be able to link technological know-how with practical application. Simultaneously you learn the necessary basics of signal processing, sensor technology, orbital mechanics and space technology, so that they are in a position to support planning and development of future missions for the above-mentioned areas. With the established fundamental and advanced knowledge of the core and specialized relevant subjects, you are able to work in a wide range of space sciences.
Due to the international approach of the Master’s program, you have augmented your social and intercultural abilities. This allows you to work in intercultural and interdisciplinary groups within the global framework of satellite technology and research. You are capable of developing joint solutions beyond the boundaries of specialist fields and present them in a way suited for your target audience.
More information on the M.Sc. ESPACE can be found on our TUM ESPACE Wiki.
Type of Study: Full Time
Standard Duration of Studies: 4 Semester
Credits: 120 ECTS
Main Locations: Munich
Admission Category: Aptitude Assessment
Start of Degree Program: Winter Semester
Application Period: Winter semester: 01.01. – 31.05.
Required Language Proficiency: English
Tuition Fees: for Students from Non-EU Countries
The first two semesters are centered on basic skills in earth system science, remote sensing and navigation, mathematical and physics-based as well satellite technology, orbital mechanics and applied satellite usage. This way, students coming from a wide range of different bachelor’s programs are brought up to the same level of knowledge.
In the third semester, students can choose one of the three focus areas earth systems science, remote sensing or navigation which is complemented by elective modules.
The fourth semester is dedicated entirely to the Master’s thesis, which is then defended in a public Master’s colloquium.
In the first two semesters, you acquire basic competencies in Satellite Application Engineering which covers the three core areas satellite and remote sensing data analysis, space engineering and satellite applications. In the third semester you deepen your knowledge in one of the three offered specializations: Earth System Science, Remote Sensing and Navigation.
- Satellite and remote sensing data analysis: development and application of processing methods to satellite-derived data and models (numerical modeling, signal processing, estimation theory)
- Space Engineering: understanding and application of orbital, spacecraft attitude and robotic operations (e.g. spacecraft design and its subsystems, launcher systems, rocket design, orbit mechanics, ground segment design)
- Satellite applications: analysis, modelling and interpretation of satellite and remote sensing data related to the key satellite applications (e.g. Earth system modeling, photogrammetry, remote sensing, geoinformation, navigation)
For more information on the contents of the ESPACE Master’s program, please have a look on the Degree Program Documentation.
Application Deadline: January, 1st to May, 31st
Admission requirements:
- diploma or bachelor degree from a recognized university in engineering, natural science or a related field (e.g. Aerospace, Mechanical/Electrical/Communication Engineering, Informatics, Geodesy, Mathematics, Physics)
- English language certificate for non-native speakers
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae
- Motivation letter
- Self-written scientific essay
For further details and information on the application process and the admission to the ESPACE Master’s program, please have a look on our Study- Wiki.
Examination Dates
The examination dates for each semester can be viewed in TUMonline.
Winter semester 2025/26:
The dates for the individual examinations will be published in TUMonline until 24 October 2025. Then, you can view them there.
Summer semester 2026:
The dates for the individual examinations will be published in TUMonline until 24 April 2026. Then, you can view them there.
Please also follow TUMonline for possible room and date changes.
Registration and Deregistration for Examinations
| Registration period winter semester 2025/26: | 17 November 2025 - 15 January 2026 |
| Registration period summer semester 2026: | 18 May 2026 - 30 June 2026 |
The cancellation of your participation (de-registration) in an exam is possible until one week before the exam.
In order to take part in examinations, you must register independently via TUMonline. The registration takes place via your study status/curriculum. How to register for an examination in TUMonline.
The de-registration from examinations works the same way.
Please note:
- The examinations office ASG does not register you for exams once the registration period has closed. If you have failed to register for one or more exams, you will not be able to take these exams.
- No exams may be taken for the first time during a leave of absence. An exception is leave on grounds of maternity leave, parental leave or for the care of close relatives.
- However, repeat exams can be taken.
Repeating examinations:
- Module examinations can be repeated as often as required, taking into account the academic progress check (see § 10 (3) and (4) APSO, resp.).
- Only exams that have been previously failed can be retaken. It is not possible to retake an exam that has already been passed for the purpose of improving your grade.
- Please note that you must also register for a retake exam in TUMonline.
Disadvantage Compensation in examinations
Students are entitled to compensation for disadvantages in examinations if they have an impairment that impairs their studies and can be compensated for.
Compensation for disadvantages must be applied for from your board of examiners in good time before the start of the relevant examination phase. The application must be made informally in writing by e-mail to the examinations office ASG: examination.asg(at)ed.tum.de.
The application must be accompanied by meaningful (specialist) medical certificates or reports stating which impairment is involved and which measures are required to compensate for the disadvantage.
Please note that the board of examiners is not bound by the measures to compensate for disadvantages stated in your application or in the certificate or expert opinion.
The following deadlines apply for the application:
Winter semester and summer semester: By the end of the registration period for the respective semester's examinations at the latest.
Please note: If an application is submitted after this deadline, any approval of compensation for disadvantages will apply from the examination phase of the following semester at the earliest.
You can find further information and information sheets on the subject of "compensation for disadvantages" on the pages of the TUM Center for Study & Teaching.
You will also find an application form that you can use under the link above.
Withdrawal from an Examination
Withdrawal from an examination is only possible for valid reasons for which the student is not responsible. Such reasons include illness, accident, death in the family etc.
Please be sure to read the TUM's information on withdrawal regulations in the event of illness.
If you cannot participate in an examination, a written withdrawal application must be submitted immediately to the responsible examination board. This notice should be submitted by e-mail to: examination.asg(at)ed.tum.de
You can download the withdrawal application form here.
In addition to the application, proof of the reason preventing your participation in the examination must also be submitted without delay, e.g. a medical certificate in the event of illness.
The certificate must meet the following criteria:
- It must be issued by a qualified doctor.
- Generally, it must be based on an examination carried out on the day on which you claim to be unable to take the exam.
- It must state the start and end dates of your inability to take the exam due to illness.
- It must clearly state why you are unable to take the exam so that the board of examiners can determine whether you were actually unable to take the exam on the day of the exam (e.g., necessary bed rest or inability to travel to the exam location and/or take the exam there without significant discomfort).
Important:
- Confirmation of inability to take the exam alone is not sufficient.
- The certificate does not need to contain a medical diagnosis.
- If you are being treated as an inpatient in a hospital on the day of the exam, a certificate from the hospital must be submitted.
- Certificates of incapacity for work (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) are not sufficient.
Academic progress (hardship application)
If you can prove (with a valid medical certificate or other supporting documentation) that you were unable to complete your studies properly over a long period of time (possibly even an entire semester) for reasons beyond your control (illness, etc.), you can apply for an extension or suspension of the deadline of the academic progress check (§ 10 para. 7 APSO).
The reasons must be reported to the responsible board of examiners immediately. If you fail the academic progress check, you cannot retroactively cite long-term illness or other reasons if you did not report these to your board of examiners immediately.
As a rule, the study progress check can only be suspended once.
If the restrictions continue, you must inquire with the TUM Center for Study and Teaching - Application and Enrollment Department about the possibility of taking a leave of absence or interrupting your studies. You can also seek advice from the student advisory service or the secretary to the board of examiners of your degree programme.
The immediate notification of valid reasons has to be be sent informally to the ASG Examination Office: examination.asg(at)ed.tum.de
Important:
Medical certificates must comply with TUM's legal requirements. Information on the formal and substantive criteria for certificates can be found above under “Withdrawal from an examination.”
If a certificate does not meet these criteria, a corresponding hardship application must be rejected.
Please note that you can only apply for a suspension or extension of the deadline if you were actually unable to meet the requirements of the academic progress check. You can see this by the notification “DF” in your study tree in TUMonline.
In this case, please send the appication informally by e-mail together with all necessary supporting documents (see above) to the examinations office ASG: examination.asg(at)ed.tum.de.
The board of examiners responsible for your degree program will decide on your application at its end-of-semester meeting. The decision will then be communicated to you in writing by the examinations office ASG as soon as possible.
Please refrain from making any prior inquiries regarding the status of your application.
Boards of Examiners Aerospace and Geodesy
According to § 29 APSO, the boards of examiners are responsible for conducting the examination procedure. They make all necessary decisions, unless the general academic examination regulations of TUM have assigned this responsibility to the respective examiners.
The boards of examiners' decision-making authority includes, in particular, applications for withdrawal from examinations, applications for suspension and extension of deadline, applications for recognition of credits as well as applications for compensation of disadvantages in examinations.
The degree programmes of Aerospace and Geodesy has the following boards of examiners with their respective responsibilities:
| Board of examiners | degree program | secretary to the board |
| Aerospace | B.Sc. Aerospace M.Sc. Aerospace M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering (TUM Asia) | Ms. Pema Mauser-Sherpa Mr. Daniel Hartenstein Mr. Daniel Hartenstein |
| ESPACE | M.Sc. Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology | Mr. Daniel Hartenstein |
| Geodäsie und Geoinformation | B.Sc. Geodesy and Geoinformation M.Sc. Geodesy and Geoinformation B.Sc. Land Management (partial degree) M.Sc. Land Management and Geospatial Science | Mr. Daniel Hartenstein |
If you have completed parts of or an entire degree program at a university other than TUM, you can apply for recognition of credits. A prerequisite for the recognition of credits that were not achieved at TUM is the equivalence of the gained competences. This means that the knowledge and skills acquired outside of TUM must not be fundamentally different from the knowledge and skills conveyed in the corresponding modules at the TUM (basis for this is Art. 86 BayHIG and § 16 APSO).
Procedure of the recognition process:
- Submit the completed recognition form to the examinations office ASG. All additional documents required must be enclosed in accordance with the form (page 1) and checked for completeness by the student. Only complete documents can be processed.
- Your application with the documents will be forwarded to the module coordinator/subject examiner. They will decide on the equivalence of the already achieved credits with the credits to be achieved in your degree pgroamme at TUM.
You can find the recognition form in the wiki of your degree programme under "Documents and Forms".
Please note:
- You can apply for recognition of credits only after you have enrolled.
- An application for recognition of credits can only be made once and must be made within the first academic year. In order to ensure an appropriate planning of your studies, you should submit your application as soon as possible.
- In the case of credits from a semester abroad, recognition must be applied for within the semester following the stay abroad.
- The recognition procedure ends with the signing of the application by the responsible module coordinator. Information on recognition or rejection will be sent by e-mail. Applications cannot be re-submitted after the recognition procedure has been completed.
- Once recognition has taken place, a new application for recognition of credits claiming equivalence with a module other than the recognized competences is no longer possible. If the student claims equivalence of the competences to multiple different modules, this must be checked in the same application/recognition process. In this case, please use a separate form for each recognition process.
- If at least 30 credits are recognized as equivalent, you will be upgraded by one semester. If 52/82 credits are recognized, you will be upgraded by two/three semesters respectively.
Grade conversion:
If the grading system of examinations completed at universities or equivalent institutions of higher education and recognized by TUM does not match the TUM grading system, the grades of the other institution will be converted according to the so-called "Bavarian Formula". If such a conversion is not possible, the examination board will determine a corresponding ratio for the grade conversion.
Contact for credit recognition: examination.asg(at)ed.tum.de
Registration:
For final theses (= Bachelor’s thesis und Master’s thesis) registration and all administration take place in the ED portal at https://portal.ed.tum.de/en/Theses/
You find all important information in the wiki of the ED portal.
The supervising chair will register you for the thesis. You will then receive an e-mail asking you to confirm the registration of the thesis and the data provided in the portal. Only then will the registration be reviewed by the examination board and you will then receive the approval or rejection of the topic by e-mail.
All e-mails from the portal will be sent to your TUM e-mail address.
Submission:
The Bachelor's/Master's thesis is handed in digitally via the ED portal. For more information, see wiki of the ED portal.
Extension:
In the event of valid reasons for which you are not responsible (e.g. longer waiting time for technical equipment or software), you can apply to the respective examination board for an extension of the processing time. This is also done via the ED portal. For more information, see wiki of the ED portal.
Suspension due to illness:
The processing time is suspended for the duration of an illness. You are obliged to report an illness to the respective board of examiners immediately and to provide credible evidence of this in the form of a medical certificate. The report is also made via the ED portal in the same way as when applying for an extension (see above).
Please send the medical certificate in PDF format to examination.asg(at)ed.tum.de. The certificate must meet the same criteria as those set out above under “Withdrawal from an examination.”
Important: If the illness is not reported immediately—i.e., as soon as you realize that you are ill—the respective board of examiners must reject the suspension of the processing time.
When the grading process is complete, you can view the grade in TUMonline.
As soon as the assessment has been finally confirmed by the examiners, you receive the grade by e-mail. The grade and other details are then transferred from the School Office to TUMonline.
According to § 18 (11) APSO, the thesis has to be graded within two months.
Please note: You may not be on leave of absence during the entire time you are working on the thesis and must be duly enrolled by the time you hand in your thesis.
Important: Please read the guidelines for ensuring good scientific practice at TU München. Their knowledge is assumed when registering the thesis.