What are some of the key differences in Astronautics and Aeronautics engineering? Which is "better" and why?
~Pay difference
~Employment opportunities
~Need/Ability to travel
~Future Outlook
~Often employed in what side of the country?
Answer:
Astronautics - Space Ships, Rockets, Satellites
Aeronautics - Airplanes, Aerodynamics.
Well, my opinion is biased as I am an Aerospace Engineer with an Astronautics Concentration. I have found alot of the Aeronautics stuff boring except for aerodynamics, but most of their structural stuff is boring to me. I like Astronautics for the main reason is it presents new challenges depending on payload, altitude objective, fuel type and launch site.
I have not seen much difference in pay between the two if based in the same city. However, many astro companies are based in warmer climates and cities where the standard of living is higher and thus pay is higher. Aero companies are stationed all over the US. Therefore if you have no problem with heat then you're golden with Astro. But if you want more flexiblity with WHERE you want to live, you might want to do Aero.
Employment opportunities are too numerous to put down all. Try Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Gumman, Orbital Science, NASA, Delta, Continental, Rolls Royce.etc. Also, not to name the numerous smaller companies.
Travel will depend on the poistion. Can range from no travel to 100%.
Future Outlook: Always developing new technologies in both feilds. Airplanes need to be fast, cost effective and fuel efficient. And most companies are attempting to formulate new plane structures and engines to help customers. Sattelites are continiously being sent up into space. A new space shuttle design is being idealized, the Mars Mission(s) are still in everyone's mind, The ISS needs more work, as well as all the research being done to understand the universe.
Both Aeronautics and Astronautic are impressive and exciting feilds. Hope this helps.
The answers post by the user, for information only, FunQA.com does not guarantee the right.
More Questions and Answers: