Persistently pushing the limits in preparing the next generation Boilermaker space workforce
Purdue holds an enduring legacy in space exploration
Home to the Cradle of Astronauts because of its extraordinary influence on the U.S. space program – specifically the 27 Boilermakers who have been chosen to become astronauts. Today’s generation of Boilermakers extends that proud tradition by contributing to projects – from the James Webb Space Telescope to our return to the moon, to future missions to Mars and beyond – that will further expand humankind’s understanding of the cosmos.
Degree Options
Two Degree Programs. One Path.
The new credentials will build on Purdue’s traditional courses in space engineering across Aeronautics & Astronautics, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Graduates will possess the skills needed to understand how complex space systems work together.
Building on Purdue's rich legacy, the Space Systems Engineering Online Master's Program will feature 10 courses totaling 30 credit hours covering major study areas such as orbital mechanics, advanced rocket propulsion, aerospace human factors, spaceflight operations and much more.
Students will have an opportunity to acquire documented educational experiences in space engineering through classes and experiences in topics of their choice, including:
- Space exploration
- Space commerce
- Space communications
- Space life support and habitation
- Space power
- Space policy
- And more, based on existing courses on the West Lafayette campus plus one new multi-disciplinary AAE seminar course.
MEET OUR COMMITTEE
Dan Dumbacher (BSME ’81)
Chair, Selection Committee
Professor of Engineering Practice, Aeronautics and Astronautics
Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer
Special Aerospace Services (SAS)
Dan Dumbacher has served in senior executive roles at NASA, including as deputy associate administrator of NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, leading a team of 5,000 people and managing a budget of $3 billion to initiate the Artemis campaign. During his career, he has received numerous awards and honors, including the coveted Silver Snoopy Award and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
Kathleen Howell
Chair, Advisory Council
Hsu Lo Distinguished Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Kathleen Howell is a world-renowned expert in astrodynamics, known for her pioneering work on spacecraft orbits around Lagrange points to support lunar missions and space domain awareness. She has contributed to major NASA missions, including Genesis, Cassini and Artemis.
An asteroid in the solar system has been named after Howell. In a Nov. 4, 2024, report, the International Astronomical Union’s Working Group on Small Bodies Nomenclature (WGSBN) gave a main-belt asteroid the name (5396) Kathleenhowell.
Addressing the Challenge
According to the Space Foundation, a nonprofit advocate organization working to advance the global space community, only 17% of the space agency’s workforce is under 35. Competition for acquiring workers is ramping up at a time when the number of people graduating with engineering degrees is dropping in the U.S.
The aerospace industry right now is incredibly varied – consisting of commercial space, government space and defense systems. The Comprehensive Space Engineering Degrees Program will produce graduates who understand this complexity, using their skills to make complex systems work.
Innovative Delivery
Purdue Engineering’s online master’s engineering programs are ranked No. 2 nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2025. This one-of-a-kind Purdue Space Systems Engineering Online Master’s Program offers a flexible plan of study with a format that allows you to study from where you are.
Purdue’s Undergraduate Space Engineering Certificate opens opportunities for exposure and experience in space engineering to students across the campus and schools. Because the space industry is rapidly growing, it’s critical that we prepare a workforce who can apply their skills and knowledge from diverse disciplines to create a stronger space workforce.
Broad Partnership
Through long-term partnerships with NASA, the U.S. Space Force and a host of aerospace industries, Purdue is continuing to educate students who will be part of the next Giant Leaps in the space domain.
Purdue’s legacy in space exploration is built on collaboration, innovation and a relentless pursuit of discovery. As emerging opportunities in space exploration continue to evolve, we invite you to be part of shaping the future through interdisciplinary partnerships and pioneering solutions.
Contact Information
Purdue University School of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Department Phone: (765) 494-5117
Undergraduate Office
aaeugradoffice@purdue.edu
Graduate Office
PUOApply@purdue.edu