Rocket science, or aerospace engineering, requires knowledge in physics, aerodynamics, mathematics, propulsion dynamics, and other sciences. It includes design and specialization in fields such as propulsion chemistry. Most aerospace engineers have a master’s or doctorate degree.
Rocket science is the science behind getting rockets into space. More formally, it is aerospace engineering. The field requires a broad range of knowledge in physics, aerodynamics, mathematics, propulsion dynamics, and other types of science and mathematics. A rocket scientist or aerospace engineer may specialize in one or more fields of study and this will determine the type of work he seeks.
Everything that gets and keeps a spacecraft in space is included under the umbrella of rocket science. For example, an aerospace engineer specializing in propulsion chemistry and dynamics may work on a spacecraft’s fuel problems. This person will need to know how much propellant and what type will most efficiently launch a spacecraft.
The field also includes design. Someone had to design the space shuttle, for example, and those aerospace engineers specialized in formulating plans for the world’s first reusable spacecraft. Then the metallurgical engineers and their crews took over, deciding what type of metal would be best for the shuttle’s body and frame. Scientists looked at what the robot arm is made of, how much weight it can hold, and how much weight (or payload) the shuttle safely carries and launches.
Even though the technology is mostly obsolete, seeing the movie Apollo 13 will give someone a good idea of all that this field entails. As the call goes around the room for a go/no-go for the launch, those at each station are accountable for their particular responsibility for the spacecraft: boosters, rear, electrical and environmental, guidance, flight dynamics, etc. Later in the film, the engineers come up with a solution to insert the command module’s square lithium hydroxide canisters into the round receptacles for the lunar module. This project also required a number of specialists in various fields. Most aerospace engineers have a master’s degree, if not a doctorate, in their field, so an aerospace engineering job requires extensive training.
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