Astronautical engineering is a great field of engineering where intellectuals around the world would engage in several astonishing tasks that can awestruck common people. Astronautical engineering is a field of great minds who deal with real rocket science which may seem like a dream and unrealistic for many.
What is Astronautical Engineering
Astronautical Engineering is an engineering discipline formed by combining astronautics and aerospace engineering. Astronautical Engineers are specifically involved in the design & development of spacecraft such as rockets, and satellites.
Unlike Aeronautical Engineers who develop Aircraft that function within the earth’s atmosphere, Astronautical engineers concentrate primarily on developing Space vehicles that function outside the earth’s atmosphere.
The curriculum of Astronautical engineering is more related to aerospace and aeronautical engineering, with the focus on concepts such as thermodynamics, aerodynamics, celestial mechanics, composite materials, acoustics, propulsion, communication systems, satellite systems, avionics, and control systems, and flight mechanics.
Astronautical Engineers
Individuals working as astronautical engineers involves in tasks such as developing aircraft and aerospace products such as rockets, missiles, communication satellites, space launchers, space vehicles, direct broadcasting satellites, space navigational systems, reconnaissance satellites, planetary probes, and remote sensing satellites. Responsibilities include designing the products with the appropriate engineering principles, meeting quality standards, adhering to environmental regulations, and fulfilling the customer’s requirements. They should be handy in locating and fixing malfunctions in the products.
How to Become an Astronautical Engineer
Individuals wanting to become astronautical engineers should have at least a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or aeronautical engineering systems. This field is more research-oriented and constantly evolving concepts and ideas is life and soul of this field. If you are willing to do research, you have endless opportunities in this field.
A number of universities offer astronautical engineering program that trains students to become an astronautical engineer. The curriculum includes thermodynamics, aerodynamics, celestial mechanics, composite materials, acoustics, propulsion, communication systems, satellite systems, avionics, and control systems, and flight mechanics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Astronautical engineers are one of the highest-paid engineers with an average annual salary of nearly $120,000