Space Science Major

Space Science Major

Space Science

Major

Space science is the science of the space environment as well as the science behind the technology of spacecraft, satellites, and space exploration.

Space science studies the space environment, as well as the science behind the technology of spacecraft, satellites, and space exploration. Technologies and systems that society has benefited from include:

  • space weather and terrestrial weather forecasting satellites
  • position, navigation, and timing (PNT) enabled devices such as GPS
  • satellite communications
  • missile defense systems
  • remote sensing systems used to observe our planet, our heliosphere, and beyond our solar system

The program in space science integrates these facets of space-enabled technology to develop a fundamental knowledge that will support a variety of technical interests and activities. The major will provide the cadet with a solid foundation in orbital mechanics, the space environment, attitude determination and control, satellites communications, space structures, astronomy, astrophysics, space physics, remote sensing, and rocket propulsion.  

Space science majors have a lab requirement component. This major offers an honors track. 

 

To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering.

Required Courses

EE301 FUNDAMENTALS OF ELEC ENGIN 

PH382 INTERMEDIATE ELECTRODYNAMICS 

PH384 APPLIED OPTICS  

PH485 LASER PHYSICS 

SP471 ASTRONAUTICS 

SP472 SPACE PHYSICS  

SP473 OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY 

SP474 ASTROPHYSICS

 

Sample Electives

PH365 MODERN PHYSICS 

PH381 INTRMED CLASSICAL MECHANICS

EV377 REMOTE SENSING 

EV477 ADVANCED REMOTE SENSING 

EV478 MILITARY GEOSPATIAL OPERATIONS

MA364 ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS  

MA365 ADV MATH FOR ENGRS/SCIENTISTS

 

This major offers an honors track. 

 

To learn more, view the full Space Science Major Curriculum.

Opportunities are available to perform research at Department of Defense and laboratories that conduct space and missile defense-related research during the summer. Majors can also join the Astronomy Club

Honor Societies:
Golden Key - International Honour Society
Phi Kappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor Society

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineeringthe Photonics Research Center or the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Space and High-Altitude Research Center.