<p>I'm wondering if majoring in Astronautical engineering is too narrow of a field. Is aeronautical engineering better?
I'm interested in space exploration/travel, but I'm also fascinated with flight. I want more of a hands on career, than a behind a desk one. Like test pilot or something.
Any advice, or comments?</p>
<p>how about aerospace engineering?</p>
<p>Space exploration, astronomy, and all that is covered in Astro-physics. You can get really deep into the subject and even get a p.h.d. in it- you'll deal with pretty complex classical and quantum physics if you go to grad. school. From what I hear, the students love the subjects.</p>
<p>As an astrophysicist, it would be beneficial to know programming since you'll make models on computers later on. Predicting orbits, size of supernova explosions, how the time-space continuum fabric and be modeled in 3D and used to further explain relativity and theoretical physics, etc...</p>
<p>The same applies for aerospace. However, astrophysics is more research - would you rather help engineer a more efficient spacecraft or airplane. Or, would you prefer to do research in astronomy? The money is good for the researchers - they start out at around 70K and move up. However, you need a p.h.d in the subject if you want to go for research. You can also teach. </p>
<p>With aerospace (don't need a p.h.d), you have the flexibility of doing many other jobs - building engines and other kinds of machines if you get tired of working with flight and planes. However, I don't know what the job demand is for aerospace engineers right now. </p>
<p>I do know that if you get a p.h.d. in something like astrophysics or aerospace or even applied math or physics from a really reputable school, you can work in NASA and get a great job.</p>
<p>I really want to be a test pilot, and then after several years of experience become an astronaut. I'm honestly not looking for a great job in itself. I get bored rather easily if I am not doing something that is totally fascinating. I don't want to teach untill I'm good and old. </p>
<p>I'm going to the Air Force Academy, uhh, tomorrow actually, and they have either astronautical or aeronautical, not aerospace, I have to choose which one.</p>
<p>Both sound like great majors. In my opinion, aeronatical engineering will give you more options in the future, which is a good thing if you're not too sure about what you want to do. Look at the course descriptions and see which ones are of more interest to you.</p>
<p>Good luck Cadet Clsoar, and AIM HIGH!</p>
<p>thanks Tugger
I was wondering if rockets might be less a thing of the future than planes. What with all the new planes that are coming so close to reaching space. Or are large rockets with large cargo holds more what the future will hold. That's why I can't decide between the majors.</p>