USC Viterbi Department of Astronautical Engineering

USC Engineers Prepare to Listen as Orion Heads for the Moon
A 4.5-meter dish antenna on the USC campus will join 33 other ground stations contributing to a study of how spacecraft signals behave at lunar distance.
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Astronautical Engineering News
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A 3D-printing technique co-developed at USC has enabled the rapid discovery of a new alloy that can withstand extreme heat.
At the 7th Summit for Space Sustainability in Paris, USC PhD student José Pedro Ferreira raised awareness of the potential impacts of space activities in the atmosphere and the need for emerging research to be reflected in global governance.
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The academic program and its record-breaking student-run USC Rocket Propulsion Lab are celebrating 20 years of advancing space exploration through stellar research and teaching.
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How to follow the peak experience of a lunar landing? Earn a graduate degree from USC.
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The successful launch of USCRPL's latest rocket, Malibu, marks a major turning point for the record-breaking student team: the ability to send a payload up to space.

Astronautical Engineering at USC Viterbi

Astronautical Engineering encompasses the dynamic and cutting-edge fields of advanced science and space technology. Space engineers design, build and operate rockets and missiles, space launchers, communications and direct broadcasting satellites, space navigational systems, remote sensing and reconnaissance satellites, space vehicles for human spaceflight, and planetary probes.

There is no better academic major than Astronautical Engineering in which to obtain the education and to acquire the skills needed for space engineers.

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Space Shuttle
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Trojans in Space

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Astronautical Engineering News and Media Coverage

A panoramic view of the USC ground station. In the foreground is the 4.5 meter dish antenna, in the background is the 3 meter Yagi antenna.
A 4.5-meter dish antenna on the USC campus will join 33 other ground stations contributing to a study of how spacecraft signals behave at lunar distance.
José Pedro Ferreira presents his keynote speech, "Clearing the Air: Understanding and Engaging on Possible Atmospheric Impacts of Space Activities" to an international audience of leaders in the space industry
At the 7th Summit for Space Sustainability in Paris, USC PhD student José Pedro Ferreira raised awareness of the potential impacts of space activities in the atmosphere and the need for emerging research to be reflected in global governance.
Researchers at USC have developed a process of combinatorial additive manufacturing to discover new heat-resistant alloys.
A 3D-printing technique co-developed at USC has enabled the rapid discovery of a new alloy that can withstand extreme heat.
Two students are at a table building a satellite
More than 60 students, faculty, and industry professionals over 2 years and multiple classes have contributed to the design, development, and testing of MAVERIC.
NASA awards ceremony
NASA’s Exceptional Public Achievement Medals are awarded to researchers and engineers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of space exploration.

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Published on February 23rd, 2017Last updated on March 13th, 2026