The Bachelor of Science in Astronautical and Space Engineering provides students with a balance between theory and practice. Students receive hands-on design experience via the university’s high-altitude balloon payload program, course assignments, laboratory exercises and the Space Flight Operations Training Center. The focus is on spacecraft and ground systems design rather than research. The program produces skilled systems-oriented astronautical engineers to support the needs of NASA and the aerospace industry.
Students study space systems engineering, orbital mechanics, spacecraft subsystems, spacecraft attitude and control, autonomous ground systems, as well as other areas of satellite mission planning, design and operations. Graduates have the ability to work on multidisciplinary teams, meet the expectations of employers of astronautical and space engineers, and pursue an advanced degree, if desired. All students will complete a capstone in which they propose, design, develop and deliver a satellite mission plan or other spacerelated project.
The B.S. degree in Astronautical and Space Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria.
Program Educational Objectives
Within three to five years of graduation,
- Graduates will be engineers who solve critical technical problems related to astronautical and space engineering, and who devise innovative ways to develop and apply new technologies.
- Graduates will engage lifetime learning and use this knowledge to become leaders in astronautical and space engineering related careers.
- Graduates will contribute knowledge to and participate in the identification and solution of problems facing astronautical and space engineering professionals.
Student Outcomes
Upon graduation, graduates will be able to
- Identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics
- Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural social, environment and economic factors
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts
- Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions as related to astronautical and space engineering
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
