An Analysis of Undergraduate Commercial Spaceflight Programs in the United States

Sergey Dubikovsky; Tracy L. Yother; J. Mark Thom

doi:10.15866/irease.v11i6.14200

An Analysis of Undergraduate Commercial Spaceflight Programs in the United States

Sergey Dubikovsky^(1*), Tracy L. Yother⁽²⁾, J. Mark Thom⁽³⁾

^(*) Corresponding author

Authors' affiliations

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15866/irease.v11i6.14200

Abstract

With the expansion of the commercial spaceflight industry there is more opportunity than ever for motivated and qualified students to enter the career field. As a relatively young industry the hiring is currently focused on aerospace engineering graduates even in areas where in the more established aviation industry are being filled with technology students. As the industry continues to grow the ability for aerospace engineering to continue to fill these positions becomes critical. This paper examines current undergraduate program offerings in the United States and analyzes them for outcomes and determines their under and over-qualifications for current career opportunities. Future analysis can then be completed to determine how current aviation related programs can evolve to meet the growing need for technologists in the commercial spaceflight industry.
Copyright © 2018 Praise Worthy Prize - All rights reserved.

Keywords

Space; Education; Technology; STEM; Workforce Development

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