Astronautical engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on the development and operation of spacecraft, satellites, and other aerospace vehicles. It is a multidisciplinary field of study, encompassing elements from structures, electronics, robotics, and more.
Astronautical engineering has been around since the early 20th century, but it has become more prominent in recent years due to the increasing number of space exploration programs and technological advances. It focuses on the design, construction, and operation of space vehicles, the materials and technologies used to build them. It also involves the study of the environment that spacecraft and satellites must operate in, such as the Earth’s atmosphere and deep space.
Finally, astronautical engineering also involves the development of control systems, navigation systems, and other components necessary for the successful operation of spacecraft and satellites.
Key Astronautics research areas:
- Astrodynamics
- Satellite attitude determination and control
- Nanosatellite design
- Spacecraft trajectory optimization
- Spacecraft constellations and formations
- Celestial mechanics
- Space navigation
- Global navigation satellite systems
- Mission design
