http://astronauticsnow.com/msaste/index.html
|
Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering |
||
|
(MS ASTE) |
||
|
unique program focused on space engineering |
The last MS ASTE Newsletter (March 25, 2026)
Articles about MS ASTE: 2024, 2018, 2014, 2007, combined,
Mike's MS ASTE newsletter has been reaching program students, friends, and supporters in the space community in the United States and abroad since the late 1990s.
Mike Gruntman designed the degree program Master of Science in Astronauticasl Engineering (MS ASTE) for those with B.S. degrees in science and engineering who worked or wished to work in the space sector of the space-defense-aerospace industry, spacecraft oprators, new-space industry, government research and development centers and laboratories, and academia. No Bachelor's degree in astronautical or aerospace engineering is required.
The MS ASTE Program combined science and engineering fundamentals with specialized courses taught by Astronautics faculty and adjunct faculty and lecturers from leading space companies and government space R&D centers (Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Raytheon, Northrop-Grumman, Aeroject Rocketdyne, Aerospace Corporation, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Microcosm, Space Environment Technologies, and others).
Astronautical Engineering
Astronautical Engineering encompasses the dynamic and cutting-edge fields of advanced science and space technology. Space is increasingly important for our economy and national security as well as exploration. The United States depends on space assets more than any other nation on earth, and we lead the world in exploration and utilization of space. Space engineers design and build rockets and space launchers, communications and direct TV and radio broadcasting satellites, space navigational systems (such as GPS), remote sensing satellites, scientific and application satellites and their sensors, vehicles for human spaceflight, space stations, and planetary probes. They operate complex earth-orbiting space systems and rovers on Mars from sophisticated ground control centers. There is no better academic degree than Astronautical Engineering in which to obtain the education and to acquire the skills needed for space engineers.
The MS ASTE program in the Viterbi School of Engineering (VSOE) of the University of Southern California (USC) was, and still is, a unique space engineering program in the United States.
Mike's program has reached national and international prominence. In July 2026, Mike stepped down, after 30+ years, from his role in the Department and Viterbi School of Engineering to focus on other professional and scholarly pursuits in rocketry, space, missile defense, and others.
As of 2026, the program is in an excellent shape. (See statistics in the last program's newsletter and Mike's letter to USC Astronautics instructors.)
Now, it is up to the USC Viterbi School of Engineering to either further strengthen and expand the program or let it reenter the atmosphere.
Several publications described MS ASTE's rational, history, focus, and structure.
Articles (publications) about MS ASTE
combined (2025+2018+2014+2007),
2025,
2018,
2014,
2007
Video presentation about MS ASTE, 2020 (17 min)
The program was among the largest in the country, with more than 1150 Master of Science degrees in Astronautical Engineering awarded from 2004-2026 . The program's flagship course, taught by Mike, ASTE520 Spacecraft Design (serving as a "boot camp," for students with non aerospace background) had more than 2600 graduate students enrolled from 2004-2025 .
In addition to full-time on-campus students, the MS ASTE program reached students through across the United States, Canada, and at military installations abroad the VSOE's Distance Education Network (DEN@Viterbi).
The program has made major contributions in meeting a national challenge to improve space engineering education in the United States.
Mike's letter (February 10, 2026) to the MS ASTE instructors gives an overview of the program accomplishmenets.
MS ASTE Program Founder and Director (1990s - 2026) Mike Gruntman
|
160+ problems with detailed solutions
|
 |
|
Privacy policy. Copyright © 2008–2026. All rights reserved.
