2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

astronautical engineering major
A major in Astronautical Engineering is the broad application of science and engineering to aerospace operations. Special
emphasis is placed on astrodynamics, aerospace systems design, and control systems. Thus, the student is prepared for Air
Force duty with specialization in research, design, development and analysis of space technology and aerospace avionics.
Students successfully completing this major are awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering, which
is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore MD 21202-4012,
telephone: (410) 347-7700..
The goal of the Astronautical Engineering program is to prepare cadets to become leaders of character who:
• Possess a fundamental knowledge in astronautical engineering.
• Can communicate effectively.
• Work effectively with others.
• Are committed to life long learning.
• Can apply their knowledge and skills to frame and solve Air Force engineering problems, both well- and ill-defined.
• Know their ethical and professional responsibilities as embodied in the Air Force core values.
Upon successful completion of the Academy’s Astronautical Engineering program students will have the ability to:
• Use fundamental knowledge of orbital mechanics, space environment, attitude control, telecommunications, space
structures, and rocket propulsion to solve astronautical engineering problems.
• Plan and execute experimental studies and formulate sound conclusions, analyzing empirical data.
• Apply modern technology tools to solve astronautical engineering problems.
• Communicate effectively using oral, written, graphical and electronic formats.
• Recognize the ethical and professional responsibilities of Air Force Officership and the engineering profession.
• Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Recognize the benefits of and possess the skills needed to engage in life-long learning.
• Informatively discuss the impact of engineering on present-day societal and global contemporary issues including
Air Force Aerospace capabilities and requirements.
Suggested Course Sequence:
3rd-Class Year 2nd-Class Year 1st-Class Year
Astro Engr 201 Astro Engr 321 Acad Opt Depth Opt
Astro Engr 210 Astro Engr 331 Aero Engr 315
Chem 200 Astro Engr 351 Astro Engr 437/453
El Engr 231 Beh Sci 310 Astro Engr 445
English 211 Econ 201 Astro S E Design Opt
Engr Mech 220 Engr 341 Biology 315
Engr Mech 320 Engr 342 El Engr 447
Law 220 Engr Mech 330 English 411
Math 243 History 302 MSS 400
Math 245 Math 346 Philos 310
MSS 200 Math 356 Soc Sci 412
Physics 215 Pol Sci 211 Space Environment Opt
Sys Opt Aero Engr 241
ASTRONAUTICS (Astro Engr)
Offered by the Department of Astronautics.
Astro Engr 201. Technology Skills for Astronautics. Self-paced course designed to provide the programming, modeling,
and simulation skills required in the various courses in the Astro Engr major. Students are introduced to the MatLab TM /
Simulink® tools for programming, modeling, and simulation and to state-of-the-art 3-D computer tools for satellite analysis and
visualization. A series of proficiency tasks using the various tools over the course of the semester must be completed.
56 United States Air Force Academy Catalog