On April 1, 2026, a Saturn V-class rocket lit up the Florida sky for the first time in over 50 years. NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) carried the Orion spacecraft — and four astronauts — on a trajectory toward the Moon. Nine days later, on April 10, 2026, the Artemis II crew splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean, completing humanity's first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in December 1972.
The crew: Commander Reid Wiseman (U.S. Navy test pilot and NASA veteran), Pilot Victor Glover (the first Black astronaut on a lunar mission), Mission Specialist Christina Koch (who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman), and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency — the first non-American to fly on a lunar mission. For 9 days, they orbited the Moon aboard Orion, tested life-support systems, evaluated deep-space navigation, and captured images that will define a generation.
The world watched. And for millions of students, something clicked.
Artemis II isn't just a space mission — it's a career signal. It proves that the Moon is back on the table, that Mars is next, and that the engineers, scientists, and technologists who will build that future are being trained right now in college classrooms and research labs across the United States. The global space economy was valued at $630 billion in 2023 and is projected to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2035 (World Economic Forum). Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and Sierra Space are hiring at record pace. And NASA's Artemis program, the Commercial Crew Program, and the upcoming Lunar Gateway station are creating thousands of aerospace engineering roles that didn't exist a decade ago.
If you're a high school student trying to figure out your major, hear this: there has never been a better time to study aerospace engineering. This issue breaks down exactly which programs to attend, how to get to NASA, what you'll earn, and what you should be doing right now — in high school — to put yourself on the launchpad.
Why Artemis II Changes Everything
Artemis isn't just a return to the Moon — it's NASA's stepping stone to Mars and the foundation of a permanent lunar economy. The Artemis program involves hundreds of contractors across every engineering discipline: propulsion, life support, materials science, software, robotics, and human factors. Every mission component requires teams of engineers, scientists, and technologists — many of whom started as wide-eyed high schoolers just like you.
The intersection of AI, robotics, and space exploration is creating entirely new roles that didn't exist a decade ago: autonomous spacecraft navigation engineers, in-space manufacturing specialists, and lunar infrastructure architects. College students entering aerospace programs today will graduate into one of the most dynamic job markets in engineering history.
What Are Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Degrees?
Many students use "aerospace" and "aeronautical" interchangeably — but they refer to distinct fields with different focuses, career paths, and course sequences. Understanding the difference is the first step to choosing the right program.
Aerospace engineering is the broader discipline, encompassing both atmospheric and space flight. It emphasizes spacecraft design, orbital mechanics, rocket propulsion, and space systems. Graduates work on satellites, launch vehicles, space stations, and interplanetary probes.
Aeronautical engineering focuses exclusively on aircraft operating within Earth's atmosphere. It emphasizes aerodynamics, lift and drag, aircraft structural design, jet engine propulsion, and flight control systems. Graduates work on commercial jets, military aircraft, drones, and helicopters.
Related Degrees Worth Knowing
A subspecialty of aerospace engineering that focuses almost exclusively on spacecraft, orbital mechanics, and space mission design. Ideal for students who want to work on human spaceflight or deep-space exploration.
The science-side equivalent. Astrophysics is best for research roles at NASA science centers (Goddard, JPL, Ames). A Ph.D. is typically required. Different from engineering — you're studying the universe, not designing hardware.
The safest, most flexible path. An ME degree with aerospace coursework qualifies you for the vast majority of aerospace industry roles while also keeping non-space doors open in automotive, manufacturing, and energy.
An emerging discipline critical to complex spacecraft programs. Systems engineers integrate hardware, software, and human factors to ensure mission success. Especially valued at NASA's JPL and in large defense programs.
Top Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Programs in the U.S.
Not all aerospace programs are created equal. The best programs combine rigorous engineering fundamentals with hands-on research, NASA partnerships, and industry connections. Here are the 12 best programs to consider:
| University | Program | Avg. Starting Salary | NASA Affiliation | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIT | Dept. of Aeronautics & Astronautics | $95,000 | Strong | Lincoln Lab partnerships, CubeSat projects |
| Caltech | Aerospace Engineering (GALCIT) | $98,000 | Very Strong (JPL) | Home of JPL — direct NASA internship pipeline |
| Georgia Tech | Daniel Guggenheim School | $89,000 | Strong | #1 public aerospace program, NASA MSFC partner |
| Stanford | Dept. of Aeronautics & Astronautics | $97,000 | Strong | AI & space systems focus, Silicon Valley network |
| University of Michigan | Dept. of Aerospace Engineering | $87,000 | Strong | Large research budget, Rolls-Royce University Tech Center |
| University of Illinois | Dept. of Aerospace Engineering | $83,000 | Moderate | Strong computational fluid dynamics focus |
| Purdue University | School of Aeronautics & Astronautics | $85,000 | Very Strong | More astronaut alumni than any other school |
| University of Texas – Austin | Dept. of Aerospace Engineering & Engineering Mechanics | $82,000 | Moderate | Close to SpaceX Starbase, NASA JSC partnerships |
| UC San Diego | Dept. of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering | $84,000 | Strong | UCSD Space Systems Lab, CubeSat program |
| Virginia Tech | Kevin T. Crofton Dept. of Aerospace & Ocean Engineering | $80,000 | Moderate | Strong drone & UAV research |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Ann and H.J. Smead Dept. | $82,000 | Very Strong | Next door to Ball Aerospace, United Launch Alliance |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Aerospace Engineering | $78,000 | Strong | Most specialized aerospace-only institution in the U.S. |
What You'll Actually Study
Aerospace engineering is one of the most multi-disciplinary fields in STEM. The curriculum bridges physics, mathematics, computer science, and materials science into an integrated engineering framework. Here's what a typical 4-year B.S. program covers:
- •Calculus I–III
- •Physics (Mechanics & Waves)
- •Chemistry
- •Intro to Engineering
- •Computer Science Fundamentals
- •Differential Equations
- •Statics & Dynamics
- •Thermodynamics
- •Fluid Mechanics
- •Materials Science
- •Aerodynamics
- •Structural Analysis
- •Propulsion Systems
- •Flight Dynamics & Control
- •Orbital Mechanics
- •Aircraft / Spacecraft Design (Capstone)
- •Avionics & Systems Engineering
- •Advanced Propulsion
- •Senior Research Project
- •Industry Internship
The Core Subjects Explained
The mathematics of how spacecraft move through space. You'll study Kepler's laws, Newton's law of gravitation, Hohmann transfer orbits, and how to calculate delta-v (the fuel cost of changing orbits). This is what Flight Dynamics Officers at NASA use every day to navigate the ISS, Artemis, and deep-space probes.
How rockets and engines work — from chemical propellants to ion drives to solid rocket boosters. You'll learn the rocket equation (Tsiolkovsky), combustion thermodynamics, specific impulse, and the engineering tradeoffs between thrust and efficiency. SpaceX's Merlin and Raptor engines were designed by engineers who mastered this subject.
The study of how air and other fluids flow around vehicles. Covers Bernoulli's principle, lift and drag, Reynolds number, boundary layers, shock waves, and supersonic/hypersonic flow. Essential for aircraft design, reentry vehicle design (like Orion's heat shield), and rocket aerodynamics during ascent.
How spacecraft and aircraft structures handle loads without failing. Covers stress, strain, fatigue, buckling, and finite element analysis (FEA). A rocket must be light enough to launch but strong enough to withstand vibration, acoustic loads, and aerodynamic pressure — structural engineers make that tradeoff possible.
Avionics covers guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) — the software and hardware that tell a rocket where it is and steer it where it's going. Control systems theory (PID controllers, feedback loops, stability margins) is what keeps SpaceX's Falcon 9 vertical during landing.
How aircraft and spacecraft respond to forces in flight. Covers six-degrees-of-freedom motion, stability derivatives, autopilot design, and reentry dynamics. Understanding how Orion behaves during lunar return and atmospheric entry requires mastery of this discipline.
Many top programs also offer specialization tracks in astronautics, avionics, propulsion, UAV systems, or space systems engineering. Graduate programs (M.S. / Ph.D.) are common for roles at NASA research centers and for faculty positions.
NASA Career Pathways: How to Actually Get There
NASA is not a single employer — it's an ecosystem. Here are the main pathways into a NASA career:
NASA's Pathways Internship Program is designed specifically for students and recent graduates. It offers paid internships at any of NASA's 10 field centers with the potential to convert to full-time employment. Applications open each semester.
🔗 nasa.gov/stem/internshipsA project-based professional development program using NASA Earth observations. Great for students interested in environmental science, remote sensing, and applied geospatial research.
🔗 develop.larc.nasa.govThe majority of NASA's workforce works through contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Jacobs, and SAIC. These companies hire directly from universities and often have early career programs and rotational programs.
🔗 usajobs.gov (for civil service)For full-time NASA employee positions (not contractors), applications go through usajobs.gov. Most entry-level positions require a B.S. in engineering, science, or math. Competition is high — relevant internships are almost always required.
🔗 usajobs.govSalary & Career Outlook
Aerospace engineering is consistently one of the highest-paying undergraduate degrees. Here's what the data shows:
| Career Path | Entry-Level Salary | Mid-Career (10 yrs) | Top Earners | Demand Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace / Structural Engineer (NASA/DoD) | $78,000–$92,000 | $115,000–$140,000 | $160,000+ | High (federal hiring) |
| Propulsion Engineer (SpaceX / Blue Origin) | $90,000–$110,000 | $130,000–$165,000 | $200,000+ | Very High |
| Avionics / Embedded Systems Engineer | $85,000–$100,000 | $120,000–$150,000 | $180,000+ | Very High |
| Mission Systems Engineer | $82,000–$98,000 | $118,000–$145,000 | $170,000+ | High |
| Flight Dynamics Officer (NASA) | $82,000–$105,000 | $120,000–$145,000 | $160,000+ | Selective |
| Astronautical Engineer (satellite design) | $85,000–$100,000 | $115,000–$140,000 | $175,000+ | High |
| Commercial Space (Rocket Lab, Relativity) | $88,000–$105,000 | $125,000–$155,000 | $190,000+ | Growing fast |
| Defense Contractor (Lockheed, Northrop) | $80,000–$95,000 | $110,000–$140,000 | $165,000+ | Stable / High |
Related Majors Worth Considering
Aerospace engineering isn't the only path to a career in space. Consider these related programs:
Broadest path — rocket companies hire MEs heavily. Strong fallback options across industries.
Avionics, power systems, communications — EEs are essential to every spacecraft and satellite.
Flight software, autonomous navigation, mission control software. SpaceX's Starship runs on Linux and custom software stacks.
Best path for scientific research roles at NASA labs (JPL, Goddard, Ames). Ph.D. typically required.
Emerging field critical to complex spacecraft programs. Offered at Caltech, MIT, Cornell.
Spacecraft require exotic materials — carbon fiber composites, thermal protection systems, lightweight alloys.
What High School Students Should Do RIGHT NOW
You don't have to wait until college to build your aerospace career. Here's a concrete action plan by grade:
- ✓Take the hardest math and science classes available (Pre-Calc, Honors Physics, Chemistry)
- ✓Join or start a FIRST Robotics team (frc.firstinspires.org)
- ✓Sign up for NASA's free STEM resources at nasa.gov/stem
- ✓Watch SpaceX launches live and follow aerospace news
- ✓Build small projects: model rockets (Estes), Arduino-based sensors, drones
- ✓Take AP Physics C (Mechanics + E&M) and AP Calculus BC
- ✓Apply for NASA's competitive high school internship programs (nasa.gov/stem/internships)
- ✓Attend a Space Camp session at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL
- ✓Enter the Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) or AIAA competition
- ✓Visit college campuses with strong aerospace programs
- ✓Apply to aerospace engineering programs (MIT, Caltech, Georgia Tech, Purdue, CU Boulder)
- ✓Write your essay about your passion for space — admissions officers love authentic stories
- ✓Apply for scholarships: AIAA Foundation, Zonta International, DoD STEM
- ✓Ask your physics or math teacher for a strong recommendation letter
- ✓Look into dual-enrollment engineering courses if available
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Aerospace Students
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIAA Foundation Scholarship | $2,000–$10,000 | Aerospace/aeronautics majors, 3.3+ GPA | January each year |
| Zonta Amelia Earhart Fellowship | $10,000 | Women in aerospace/aeronautical engineering Ph.D. | November each year |
| DoD SMART Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend | STEM students who commit to DoD service | December each year |
| NASA Aeronautics Scholarship | $15,000–$35,000 | Aviation/aeronautics students | February each year |
| Hispanic Scholarship Fund (engineering) | $500–$5,000 | Hispanic-identifying STEM students | February each year |
| Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | Engineering/CS majors, financial need | Rolling |
The Bottom Line
Artemis II isn't just sending four astronauts around the Moon. It's igniting the imaginations of millions of students who will build the next generation of spacecraft, design the lunar habitats, write the software that navigates the next human mission to Mars, and engineer the propulsion systems that will carry humanity to the stars.
The aerospace industry needs you — your generation's creativity, your comfort with technology, your climate-conscious engineering mindset, and your ambition. The degree programs exist. The scholarships exist. The jobs exist. The only question is whether you're willing to do the work.
Reach for the stars — quite literally. 🚀