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What degree(s) should you get in college if you are interested in working at NASA mission control?

I'm a 9th grader that is curious about space and am interested in any job relating to mission control. #nasa #missioncontrol #space #astronomy

astronomy space nasa missioncontrol
Thank you comment icon "To be considered for a job as a flight controller, you must have an engineering or other technical degree. People who are interested in working as flight controllers at the Johnson Space Center are placed in the Mission Operations organization, either with NASA or the operations contractor. There, they are assigned to a specific technical discipline based on educational background and interest, and spend some number of years in training, with progressively increasing responsibilities depending on demonstrated ability. In addition to demonstrating one’s knowledge of his or her technical discipline, other skills which are evaluated during the training process to become a flight controller are communication, interpersonal, initiative, organizational, and team management." Denzel
Thank you comment icon That was from NASA's Human Space Flight page. I'd say majoring physics and aerospace engineering would be essential degrees for working at NASA. Denzel
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Danielle’s Answer

Degrees in mathematics, engineering, and the physical sciences are your best bet.

https://nasajobs.nasa.gov/jobs/civil_service_jobs/career/page10.htm
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Jacklyn’s Answer

I agree with Danielle Wilson.

I just wanted to add some more information. If you want to work for mission control in Houston, I'd also recommend trying to get an internship at NASA. You can get an internship in high school or college or both. You might not get an internship working with the Houston mission control team, but just having the experience and connection will get you closer.

Intership:
https://intern.nasa.gov

There are lots of positions in mission control. All need a technical degree and receive lots of on-the-job training. However, if you know you would like to be a certain type of mission controller, then you could take more classes relating to that position. For example, the guidance and navigation controller would need more orbital mechanics knowledge.

There are also lots of "mission controls" at NASA. Houston deals with all missions with the astronauts once they have left the launch tower. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has a launch control center (LLC). I worked at KSC. We used the LCC to control the space shuttle whenever it wasn't in space. We needed to run tests and checkouts to make sure it was working. Then on launch day, KSC is in control of the vehicle until it clears the launch tower. They give the go/no-go for the vehicle. Once it clears the tower, then Houston takes over. And there is a Payload Operations and Integration Center in Huntsville that works with the international space station (ISS). Houston mission control also works with ISS.

All the other unmanned missions that NASA has have their own mission controls. I think almost every NASA center has some form of mission control. Jet Propulsion Laboratory has mission controls for most of the Mars landers and satellites. Goddard has mission controls for lots of satellites and some missions that went to the moon.

Ames Research Center is closest to you have they have been working on mission control design:
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/engineering/facilities/mmoc

When there is not a global pandemic, NASA sometimes gives tours of their facilities or has open house days where they open everything up to the public. You can follow NASA Ames either on social media (if you have that), YouTube, podcasts, or signup for their public events announcement newsletter -- https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/about/contact_us.html. Then you can ask employees questions and make connections.

I just wanted to add that you might not get the exact position you want right away. There might not be an opening in Houston mission control or maybe you don't get the position on the first try and that's okay. Keep an eye out for jobs you want and keep applying. I would get to know other mission controllers and ask them questions and advice. Everyone is nice and welcoming. We are all together in trying to keep the astronauts safe and explore the solar system.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Anneke!

If you're captivated by the idea of working at NASA's mission control, there are several academic paths that could lead you to this exciting career. While there's no strict educational requirement for this role, certain fields of study can equip you with the knowledge and skills required to thrive.

Aerospace Engineering: This degree could be your ticket to mission control. It delves into the design, development, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. With a solid grounding in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles, an aerospace engineering degree can give you a firm grasp of the technicalities of space missions.

Mechanical Engineering: This is another degree that could steer you towards mission control. It's all about the study and application of mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers are instrumental in designing and maintaining spacecraft components and launch vehicles. Equipped with a mechanical engineering degree, you'll be able to analyze complex systems and solve technical problems.

Electrical Engineering: This degree could also be a stepping stone to mission control. It centers on electrical systems, circuits, and electronics. In mission control, electrical engineers monitor and control spacecraft systems, communication networks, and power distribution. With an electrical engineering degree, you'll be prepared to handle the advanced technologies used in space missions.

Computer Science: Given the growing reliance on computer systems and software in mission control operations, a computer science degree could give you a significant advantage. Computer scientists create and maintain software applications for data analysis, simulation, and communication during space missions. A computer science degree can help you master programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.

Physics or Astronomy: Though not as directly linked to mission control as the engineering disciplines, degrees in physics or astronomy can still be beneficial. They offer a solid grounding in the basic principles of space and celestial bodies. These fields also hone your scientific research, data analysis, and problem-solving skills, which are vital for mission control professionals.

Besides earning a relevant degree, it's crucial to gain hands-on experience and skills through internships, research projects, or involvement in space-related organizations. Building a robust network in the aerospace industry and keeping abreast of the latest developments in space exploration can boost your chances of landing a job at NASA's mission control.

Top 5 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:

NASA - The official website of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Space.com - A premier source of space news, articles, and information.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) - A professional organization dedicated to aerospace engineering and related fields.
IEEE Xplore - A digital library offering access to scientific and technical content in electrical engineering and computer science.
The Physics Classroom - An online resource for physics education, offering detailed explanations and tutorials on various physics topics.

May The Lord God Guide Your Path,
James.
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