Space and College

[Kerbin vonKerbal]

I decided today that I'd like to do a little research on different schools that offer programs on anything in regards to space, primarily orbital mechanics or something along those lines. I figured what better place to seek answers than the KSP forums.

 

Anyway, hit me with anything and everything you guys know.

Edited May 9, 2016 by Kerbin vonKerbal

[Robotengineer]

I have been looking into colleges for aerospace engineering (which I figure is the most direct ticket to Mars) and have found that MIT is supposed to be really good, (MIT excels in everything engineering evidently) but there are others. The biggest thing that has been stressed to me is that it is best to find a professor at your undergraduate university who is doing research in the area you want to get your graduate degree(s) (or do professional work) in (e.g. I would look for professors interested in advanced propulsion, human space flight, colonization, and/or mining). Sadly, the state uni near me focuses almost solely on the aero side of aerospace, doing research for private and public (read DoD) on drones and airplanes.

I'm pretty sure orbital mechanics falls under Astronomy (from talking to some of the Astronomy/physics majors at the uni, Astronomy is mostly higher physics/math to do with the motion of bodies in space, as well as other space phenomena, not much observation). I talked with one of the Astronomy professors at the uni and he told me to get on top of my basic physics and calculus first before getting into orbital mechanics (I have trouble focusing on subjects which bore me (mechanics) or don't really interest me (electricity and magnetism), but alas, I am going to double down on those subjects over the summer.

I would also advise you to take classes concurrently as a high school student, (if you are one, and if not as soon as you can), I just finished up my first semester as a concurrent student and it was a good introduction to college. I intend to tae on more courses in the summer and fall and more science and math courses.

Also, as a note to anyone reading this who may be a professor or professional in one of my areas of interest, please send me a PM as I would love to talk to someone who is actually doing what I want to do.

[Kerbin vonKerbal]

58 minutes ago, Robotengineer said:

I have been looking into colleges for aerospace engineering (which I figure is the most direct ticket to Mars) and have found that MIT is supposed to be really good, (MIT excels in everything engineering evidently) but there are others. The biggest thing that has been stressed to me is that it is best to find a professor at your undergraduate university who is doing research in the area you want to get your graduate degree(s) (or do professional work) in (e.g. I would look for professors interested in advanced propulsion, human space flight, colonization, and/or mining). Sadly, the state uni near me focuses almost solely on the aero side of aerospace, doing research for private and public (read DoD) on drones and airplanes.

I'm pretty sure orbital mechanics falls under Astronomy (from talking to some of the Astronomy/physics majors at the uni, Astronomy is mostly higher physics/math to do with the motion of bodies in space, as well as other space phenomena, not much observation). I talked with one of the Astronomy professors at the uni and he told me to get on top of my basic physics and calculus first before getting into orbital mechanics (I have trouble focusing on subjects which bore me (mechanics) or don't really interest me (electricity and magnetism), but alas, I am going to double down on those subjects over the summer.

I would also advise you to take classes concurrently as a high school student, (if you are one, and if not as soon as you can), I just finished up my first semester as a concurrent student and it was a good introduction to college. I intend to tae on more courses in the summer and fall and more science and math courses.

Also, as a note to anyone reading this who may be a professor or professional in one of my areas of interest, please send me a PM as I would love to talk to someone who is actually doing what I want to do.

Good advice, thanks. I'm pretty limited on options when it comes to full time college, since I'm a full time aircraft mechanic and I belong to the government right now, so I'm just trying to see what different ways I can go about getting my foot in that door. 

[ColKlonk]

Try looking at Aeronautical (Mechanical) Engineering, Orbital mechanics is covered in Applied Maths/Maths courses, which would be done if you're doing Physics(Astronomy) or a Mechanical Engineering. Aeronautics would place you better in the Space industry.

Get hold of any Uni Engineering/Physics Dept. Prospectus ( a guide to their courses and requirements). You should be able to choose/adapt your courses to the specialisation you want. If not do a course covering the main subjects and do the outstanding courses as extras - (hard study work but worth it).

 

Edited May 9, 2016 by ColKlonk

[Guest]

If you're not 23, American, and don't mind belonging to the government for a little longer, the U.S. Air Force Academy is the second best in the nation for aerospace engineering.

Edited May 11, 2016 by spink00
muricans only

[ColKlonk]

On 10/05/2016 at 0:04 AM, spink00 said:

If you're not 23, American, and don't mind belonging to the government for a little longer, the U.S. Air Force Academy is the second best in the nation for aerospace engineering.

I'd only advise this if you're in an economic fiddle, if you can afford it, rather go the independent route - your choices will be more suitable.

Why do I say this... been there done that.

Leaving school I (family) had no $$$ joined the Air Force (ZA). They do get your blood, and you have little choice once you've signed on the dotted line.

Luckily, I realised this after a few years, saw a gap = resigned, but had to re-study for 10 years to catch up.

My eldest wanted to be pilot, and the family were saying AIR FORCE.. I laid down the law and said NO!... We do it privately.

They were visibly and vocal about my 'short sightedness'.....

4 years later my son is on the verge on obtaining his ATPL license (22 years old), has done more that 4x hours than the military.

8+ aircraft ratings (multi-engine+) and many other ratings under his belt... You'd be lucky to see 1/4 of this with 4 years of military training.

Sure we've paid 0.5 mil for the whole route, but those who joined the military are locked in for 10/15 years with millions on exit payments - go figure

 

My advice.. although the military might look glamorous... don't get excited about it - it's a business like any company, but they screw you over 10x for your patriotism... LOL

Exercise your options, and do a lot of 'research' - there is something out there for you, take your time and just keep on looking.

It's your choice....

Edited May 17, 2016 by ColKlonk

[Guest]

On ‎5‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 4:11 PM, ColKlonk said:

I'd only advise this if you're in an economic fiddle, if you can afford it, rather go the independent route - your choices will be more suitable.

Why do I say this... been there done that.

snipsnip but the general idea is don't join the air force

 

Tuition is paid for by the government, and the college does not require you to join the Air Force, afterwards.

[ColKlonk]

7 hours ago, spink00 said:

Tuition is paid for by the government, and the college does not require you to join the Air Force, afterwards.

Or any armed forces, as the story remains the same (I just gave my example).

There would be a gov contract for the Tuition fees (we don't get things for free), which will most likely limit his choices.

If he can do it independently (or a bank loan), he will still have many more choices and routes to choose from, maximising his career path, and this is what it's all about.

Some people enjoy the military... but it's subject to the whims of polititians and their policies - not a very good long term choice in my eyes.

 

Edited May 19, 2016 by ColKlonk