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What's the best way to go into space exploration as a CS major?
I'm currently a high school senior, and I've been accepted to a college for the major of Computer Science. I'm quite interested in coding and software engineering, but I also want to be able to apply this to space exploration. I've been thinking about double majoring or minoring in Astrophysics because of this. If there are any astrophysicists who use computer science in their daily work, how did you manage to reach that position?
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3 answers
Updated
William’s Answer
A Computer Science Major can go into space exploration as a support scientist such as a Computer Analyst and Technical Support.
Most support in space exploration are highly automated and remotely controlled, requiring artificial intelligence, data science, programming, networking and likes.
Much of maintenance works are automated for robots. That is, self maintaining systems, while others are remotely handled from a space center or orbited space station.
You can work in a Computer or Computing role that maintains, operates or controls space exploration systems.
A Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Security expert, also a Computer Architect is useful in space exploration systems.
All you need is to develop the core skills and get the right mentorship, professional training and experience.
Most support in space exploration are highly automated and remotely controlled, requiring artificial intelligence, data science, programming, networking and likes.
Much of maintenance works are automated for robots. That is, self maintaining systems, while others are remotely handled from a space center or orbited space station.
You can work in a Computer or Computing role that maintains, operates or controls space exploration systems.
A Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Security expert, also a Computer Architect is useful in space exploration systems.
All you need is to develop the core skills and get the right mentorship, professional training and experience.
Updated
A’s Answer
That's an awesome and ambitious goal—space exploration needs great minds in computer science!
Here’s a roadmap to help you
🚀 Pathways into Space Exploration with a CS Major
1. Pick a CS Focus That's Space-Relevant
Many subfields in CS are directly used in space work:
Robotics & Embedded Systems – For spacecraft, Mars rovers, satellites
AI/ML & Data Science – For processing space telescope data, navigation, anomaly detection
Cybersecurity – For protecting satellites and space systems
High-Performance Computing – For space simulations and physics modeling
💡 Tip: Tailor your electives, projects, and internships to these areas.
2. Consider a Minor in Astrophysics or Physics
You don’t have to double major unless you’re deeply interested in the physics/maths side. A minor in Astrophysics gives you just enough understanding to work effectively with scientists and interpret domain-specific problems.
3. Target Internships Early
Look at:
NASA (Pathways, JPL internships)
SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab
University labs doing work with space instrumentation or satellite design
Even software internships that involve simulation, data pipelines, or hardware-software interaction are gold.
4. Get Involved in Student Projects
Join:
CubeSat or rocketry teams
Autonomous rover or robotics clubs
Space-related hackathons (like NASA Space Apps)
These build a killer resume and connect you to like-minded peers.
5. Grad School (Optional but Helpful)
If you're aiming to work on deep space missions, astrophysics research, or high-level NASA projects, consider a master’s in:
Aerospace Engineering (with CS focus)
Scientific Computing
Astrophysics (with computational emphasis)
👨🚀 Real-World Roles Where CS Meets Space
Flight Software Engineer (NASA/JPL)
Mission Control Systems Developer
Spacecraft Autonomy & Navigation Systems
Astronomical Data Scientist (e.g., with LSST or JWST teams)
Simulation Software Engineer for spacecraft dynamics
Here’s a roadmap to help you
🚀 Pathways into Space Exploration with a CS Major
1. Pick a CS Focus That's Space-Relevant
Many subfields in CS are directly used in space work:
Robotics & Embedded Systems – For spacecraft, Mars rovers, satellites
AI/ML & Data Science – For processing space telescope data, navigation, anomaly detection
Cybersecurity – For protecting satellites and space systems
High-Performance Computing – For space simulations and physics modeling
💡 Tip: Tailor your electives, projects, and internships to these areas.
2. Consider a Minor in Astrophysics or Physics
You don’t have to double major unless you’re deeply interested in the physics/maths side. A minor in Astrophysics gives you just enough understanding to work effectively with scientists and interpret domain-specific problems.
3. Target Internships Early
Look at:
NASA (Pathways, JPL internships)
SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab
University labs doing work with space instrumentation or satellite design
Even software internships that involve simulation, data pipelines, or hardware-software interaction are gold.
4. Get Involved in Student Projects
Join:
CubeSat or rocketry teams
Autonomous rover or robotics clubs
Space-related hackathons (like NASA Space Apps)
These build a killer resume and connect you to like-minded peers.
5. Grad School (Optional but Helpful)
If you're aiming to work on deep space missions, astrophysics research, or high-level NASA projects, consider a master’s in:
Aerospace Engineering (with CS focus)
Scientific Computing
Astrophysics (with computational emphasis)
👨🚀 Real-World Roles Where CS Meets Space
Flight Software Engineer (NASA/JPL)
Mission Control Systems Developer
Spacecraft Autonomy & Navigation Systems
Astronomical Data Scientist (e.g., with LSST or JWST teams)
Simulation Software Engineer for spacecraft dynamics
Updated
William’s Answer
A Computer Science Major can go into space exploration as a support scientist such as a Computer Analyst and Technical Support.
Most support in space exploration are highly automated and remotely controlled, requiring artificial intelligence, data science, programming, networking and likes.
Much of maintenance works are automated for robots. That is, self maintaining systems, while others are remotely handled from a space center or orbited space station, such as in space probes and landers.
A Computational Scientist is also a good fit in space research missions for earth sciences, astronomical sciences and cosmological science that require high level computations in scientific studies of the space.
You can work in a Computer or Computing role that maintains, operates or controls space exploration systems.
A Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Security expert, also a Computer Architect is useful in space exploration systems.
All you need is to develop the core skills and get the right mentorship, professional training and experience.
Most support in space exploration are highly automated and remotely controlled, requiring artificial intelligence, data science, programming, networking and likes.
Much of maintenance works are automated for robots. That is, self maintaining systems, while others are remotely handled from a space center or orbited space station, such as in space probes and landers.
A Computational Scientist is also a good fit in space research missions for earth sciences, astronomical sciences and cosmological science that require high level computations in scientific studies of the space.
You can work in a Computer or Computing role that maintains, operates or controls space exploration systems.
A Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Security expert, also a Computer Architect is useful in space exploration systems.
All you need is to develop the core skills and get the right mentorship, professional training and experience.