MS ASTE Newsletter
http://astronauticsnow.com/msaste/index.html
Astronauticsnow.com
hosts this web site as public service in support of space education
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Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering |
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(MS ASTE) |
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unique program focused on space engineering |
Articles about MS ASTE: 2018, 2014, 2007, combined,
Astronautical, aeronautical, and aerospace engineeirng
degree programs in the United States
The degree program Master of Science in Astronauticasl Engineering (MS ASTE) is designed or those with B.S. degrees in science and engineering who work or wish 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 combines 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).
MS ASTE Frequently Asked Questions MS ASTE course schedule
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) is a unique space engineering program in the United States.
See MS ASTE rational, history, focus, and structure in the article in Acta Astronautica, 2014. An article (2018) describes in detail the MS ASTE online program for full-time working students.
The program is among largest in the country, with more than 900 Master's degrees awarded from 2004-2023 . The program's flagship course ASTE520 Spacecraft Design had more than 2400 graduate students enrolled since 1996.
The program meets a national challenge to improve space engineering education in the United States.
In addition to full-time on-campus students, the MS ASTE program reaches through the VSOE's Distance Education Network (DEN@Viterbi) students across the United States, Canada, and at military installations abroad (see article pdf).
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160+ problems with detailed solutions
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USC astronauts – Trojans in space
MS ASTE Program Founder and Director Mike Gruntman
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Recommended science and engineering books on astronautics, rocketry, and space technology |
Recommended books on history of astronautics, rocketry, and space |
MS ASTE Frequently Asked Questions (MS ASTE FAQ)
Alumni, Students, Faculty, and Friends of USC Astronautics on LinkedIn
Astronautical, aeronautical, and aerospace engineeirng
degree programs in the United States
USC Program Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering
Awarded (annual) Master's degrees in Astronautical Engineering
National reach of the USC Master's program in Astronautical Engineering
MS ASTE Frequently Asked Questions
Admission requirements
Limited status student
It is possible to begin studies prior to formal admission to the program as a limited student. One needs to apply to the VSOE Distance Education Network (DEN) for enrollment as a limited student. After the limited-student application is processed (it usually takes a week or two), DEN will allow the student to enroll in the classes.
The true story ... Now it can be told
MS ASTE students
Student educational background
The MS ASTE Program is specifically designed for those with B.S. degrees in science and engineering who work or wish to work in the space sector of the space-defense-aerospace industry, spaceraft operators, government research and development centers and laboratories, and academia. Therfeore, one does not have to have a BS degree in astronautical or aerospace, engineering to be admitted to the program. Our current students have (BS and some MS) degrees in astronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering,other areas of engineering (nuclear, chemical, systems, industrial, etc.) as well as in physics, astronomy, applied physics, mathematic, and other areas of science (including even medical doctors); also those planning apply for astronaut training. Some engineers from the space industry and government centers with MS degrees consider our MS ASTE as a pathway to positions in system engineering of major space systems.
Applying astronautics coursework to analisys of
North Korean satellite launch in December 2012
Coursework requirement
Total of 27 units or 9 courses (one course is usually 3 units)
Four (4) required astronautics courses
Three (3) core elective courses (selected from the list of astronautics core courses)
Two (2) technical elective courses (selected from courses in astronautical engineering and/or from other science/engineering graduate courses)
The Master of Science Program in Astronautical Engineering (ASTE) never limits choice of technical elective courses to those offered by the home department but rather encourages students to choose engineering and science graduate courses best meeting their educational objectives. The onlyu exception are non-purely technical courses in engineering program management, finances, etc. We usually encourage such students to change their major. Our MS ASTE is a traditional engineering ans science degree program.
Master Degree Thesis
The thesis is optional (possible but not required). Typically only a few students choose to write and defend the thesis each year.
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Recommended science and engineering books on astronautics, rocketry, and space technology |
Recommended books on history of astronautics, rocketry, and space |
Astronautics courses
With the exception of a few PhD-program-focused courses, ASTE space courses are available to online students through the Distance Education Network.
Areas of Concentration
Presently, Astronautics faculty suggests the following areas of concentration
Contacts
The Astronautical Engineering Department (ASTE)of the Viterbi School of Engineering (VSOE) at the University of Southern California (USC) offers MS ASTE degree as part of a comprehensive set of degrees (BS, BS Minor, MS, Engineer, PhD, and Graduate Certificate) in astronautical (space engineering.
Program admission, curriculum, faculty – see
MS ASTE web site
Sputnik Explorer Vanguard Astronautics Missile defense Baikonur Tyuratam Saryshagan Rocket equation Rocket espionage
More than 1,000,000 views – yes, >10^6 – on YouTube alone from 2007 to 2016
Some selected videos on satellite orbits
GPS constellation
Geostationary GEO) orbit
Prograde and retrograde orbits
Molniya orbit
Effect of solar radiation on satellite orbits
Molniya communications relay
