Online Master of Research (MRes) in Astronautical Engineering

Earn an online Master of Research in Astronautical Engineering to future-proof your skills and knowledge for the decades to come.

Space exploration is advancing into new areas, from space tourism to increasingly sophisticated telescopes and satellites. As we rely more heavily on space-based technologies, the expertise of astronautical engineers becomes even more vital – GPS systems, weather forecasting, telecommunications, and even national security depend on our ability to design, launch, and maintain satellites and other space vehicles.

The MRes in Astronautical Engineering is a research-intensive program designed for experienced professionals in the Astronautical Engineering field to deepen their expertise. As an MRes student, you’ll conduct original research in an area of interest under the guidance of a dedicated thesis chair and graduate with published work contributing to the field of astronautical engineering.

What you’ll gain with an MRes in Astronautical Engineering:

• Practical experience applying theoretical knowledge to real-world  astronautical engineering challenges
• Exposure to the academic publishing process and practical research experience
• In-depth knowledge that enables you to serve as a top leader in your field
• Insight into ethical considerations and complex societal issues
• Technical skills to create and implement innovative designs
• In-demand job skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management
• Enhanced employability and career progression
• A mindset for continuous learning in a dynamic, high-demand field
• The opportunity to contribute original knowledge to an evolving field

The online Master of Research (MRes) in Astronautical Engineering enables you to build upon topics you may bring from your current work experience, from spacecraft design to orbital mechanics, propulsion systems, and beyond. You’ll gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative design skills – abilities that are highly sought after in the space industry and many other sectors.

An MRes in Astronautical Engineering prepares you to lead in these roles:  

• Aircraft/Spacecraft Maintenance Engineer
• Astronautical/Aviation Regulation Specialist
• Director of Astronautical Facilities
• Earth Observation Satelite Operations Engineer
• Flight Data Record Inspector
• Launch Specialist
• Research Scientist
• Astronautical Technical Consultant

Astronautical Engineering is not only about spacecraft design and launch. It's a multidisciplinary field that opens doors to a variety of career paths. Graduates might find themselves working in project management, systems engineering, mission planning, or even policy-making roles. Whether in private companies, government agencies, research institutions, or academia, the demand for this expertise is both broad and growing. Our graduates also expand upon their research in PhD programs, with several tracks in Aviation and Astronautical Sciences offered at Capitol Tech, as well as competitive programs at other top institutions.

Characteristics of an MRes 

The MRes is a research-intensive degree designed for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in a specific field with practical research experience to gain an edge in the job market, or before starting a PhD program.

Students pursue an MRes degree to:  

• Gain practical research experience 
• Enhance their expertise in a specific area
• Advance their careers by learning in-demand skills
• Contribute original research to evolving fields of knowledge 
• Prepare for doctorate programs

The Master of Research in Astronautical Engineering program is an opportunity to build upon an area of astronautical engineering that you may currently be working on to deepen your expertise. The program’s flexibility allows you to balance your studies and your career and structure your research around your specific interests and needs. By the program’s end, you will have produced, presented, and defended your master's dissertation, with the opportunity to contribute original knowledge to the field.

Career Opportunities

Market Demand for Astronautical Engineering Expertise

As we venture further into the third decade of the new millennium, the space industry has never been more promising. Driven by advances in technology and a surge of private sector interest, it's an industry that has truly taken off. Companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Maxar Technologies, and many others are not only redefining what's possible in space travel but also creating a wealth of new opportunities for professionals with the right skills. The demand for qualified astronautical engineers is soaring, and an MRes in Astronautical Engineering is the ideal qualification to get your foot in the door and prepare you with the skills to take us into the future.