I am aspiring to be an astronaut. currently, I am studying in class 12. will opting for aeronautical engineering do me any good? which is the best type of engineering i should opt for to ensure the astronaut career path? are aeronautical and aerospace different engineering courses? which is better?
Hello,
To become an astronaut a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, either in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry or biology (STEM field), or Aeronautical/Aerospace engineering. But a higher university degree like Master’s/PhD will be of added value.
Now coming to the two courses, Aerospace is a branch of engineering, where you get to learn design, building, testing and maintenance of civil aircraft, missiles, space shuttles, rockets, space stations and other such units. On the other hand, Aeronautical engineering is a sub division field of Aerospace Engineering and deals with the study of designing and building aircraft such as aeroplanes and helicopters. In simpler words Aeronautical engineering Relates to machines that fly within the earth’s atmosphere, wheres as Astronautical engineering includes the study related to spacecraft such as rockets, space stations and shuttles.
Now a degree in both the fields would be fine, but it would be better to do it in Aerospace Engineering.
Also if it is your dream to become an astronaut, you should also keep in mind that physical fitness plays an important role and so it is very much important that you take care of your health and maintain fitness.
Below I will share a link where you can find some of the best colleges in India that provide courses in Aerospace engineering:
If you want to consider a degree in Aeronautical, then you can find the best colleges for the same from the below shared link:
Hope that you will make India proud one day
Good Luck
