United States Air Force Academy

Go to home page
Engineering Division

ASTRONAUTICS

Cadets in lab

Cadets learn the fundamentals of satellites, rockets, and other space systems as well as how to design them to contribute to our national security and economy. This experience is enhanced by senior capstone projects and independent and sponsored research opportunities with a variety of government and industry partners.

ABOUT US

In 1958, the same year NASA was formed, the Department of Astronautics was established at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Our cadets are rocket scientists, and our motto is “Learning Space by Doing Space.” We have designed, built, and launched rockets to the edge of space. We have designed and built satellites that are currently in Earth orbit and are fully funded by Air Force Research Laboratory to do the same with two more satellites over the next three years. Our cadets, from fourth year to first year, operate our ground station, controlling satellites that contribute to our national security and our understanding of the space environment. Our graduates are now conducting space-related research, acquiring our next generation of space systems, and operating our current space assets in defense of the nation.

The Astronautical Engineering and Systems Engineering majors are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Astronautics Faculty and Staff

Department News News From Around The Department


January 17, 2025

Professor’s classroom is where critical thinking meets space policy

Department of Political Science Professor Madison Walker introduces her Space Policy game to U.S. Air Force Academy cadets Oct. 1, 2024. The space policy professor and Stanton Fellow introduces the game in class and in the Academy’s Azimuth summer space program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadets from different academic disciplines credit U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Political Science Professor Madison Walker with stoking their passion for space law, policy and research. Cadet 1st Class Anjulina Abdon, a Political Science major, worked...

Continue Reading Professor’s classroom is where critical thinking meets space policy

November 13, 2024

Understanding the space domain: the Space Warfighting minor

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 3rd Class Rebecca Kinstle and Cadet 1st Class Ethan Pyle work on a project in the Department of Astronautics Lab Oct. 3, 2024. Both cadets are majoring in Astronautics and minoring in Space Warfighting. The Space Warfighting minor provides cadets with a deep understanding of space operations, strategies and technologies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. –The defense of space has shifted from theoretical discussions to real-world planning and strategy. The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Space Warfighting minor equips cadets...

Continue Reading Understanding the space domain: the Space Warfighting minor

November 12, 2024

Astronautics instructor empowers future officers through experience, mentorship

Lt. Col. Heather Greatting-Dufaud, U.S. Air Force Academy Astronautical Engineering instructor, poses for a photo at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Oct. 31, 2024. Her experience with satellite systems development has made her one of the leading experts in the Department of Astronautics, which has led to a major overhaul of the Satellite Communications course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Mackenzie Mendez U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – At the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lt. Col. Heather Greatting-Dufaud combines her operational experience with a deep commitment to mentorship, striving to...

Continue Reading Astronautics instructor empowers future officers through experience, mentorship

See All News

HQ USAFA/DFAS
2354 Fairchild Drive, Suite 6H-225
United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840
(719) 333-4110 | DSN 333-4110