Astronautics (19581967)
Astronautics and Computer Science (19671982)
Astronautics (1982Present)
The Department Today:
In 1958, the very year NASA was formed, the department was established. Astronautics focuses on cadet space education: orbits, spacecraft systems, launch vehicles, re-entry, operations, and mission management. The major in Astronautical Engineering is the broad application of science and engineering to aerospace operations. Our majors actually are rocket scientists, and our motto is Learning Space by Doing Space. Cadets have designed, built, and launched rockets to the edge of space and have designed, built, and operated satellites that are currently in Earth orbit.
Curriculum:
The department teaches 14 courses in Astronautical Engineering, 5 courses in Space Operations, and supports other courses in the Engineering Division.
Core Course:  Astro Engr 310. Introduction to Astronautics
Majors:  Astronautical Engineering
Systems Engineering (Interdisciplinary)
Space Operations (Interdisciplinary)
Noteworthy:
The departments Space Systems Research Center designs, builds, tests, and flies cadet-built satellites funded by the Department of Defense and various Air Force agencies in order to achieve real Department of Defense space objectives. In addition, our cadets, from fourth year to first year and all majors, operate our ground station, controlling satellites that contribute to our national security and our understanding of the space environment. The astronautics laboratories contain other items unique to an undergraduate school, including facilities for rocket design and build-up and high-fidelity orbital analysis software to support research and classroom activities. The department sponsors the Summer Space Program, a one-week introduction to Air Force space systems, taught by cadets to over 200 cadets per year.