Space Engineering

Graphic illustration of a moon or mars scape

About Space Engineering

Space engineering equips students with the expertise to pioneer innovative space exploration and habitation systems. Space engineers focus specifically on constructing structures and operations beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Researchers and students in the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University are dedicated to advancing space exploration and technology. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, their research positions Texas A&M at the forefront of space innovation and technological developments, from next-generation space robotics to virtual reality for long-duration missions to radiators that combat the moon’s extreme temperatures. Their collective efforts are shaping the future of space exploration.

A cartoon image of a lunar landscape, half in the cold and half in the heat.

Hot or Cold: Adapting to Lunar Extremes

Dr. Darren Hartl has partnered with NASA to design an adaptable radiator that combats the moon’s extreme temperatures as lunar exploration continues.

Illustration of virtual reality goggles with garden scene in the viewfinder

Stop and smell the roses — from outer space

Researchers at Texas A&M University are building scents into virtual reality (VR) environments and looking at the effects of olfactory stimulation on behavioral health — specifically, how multisensory VR can support astronauts during future long-duration missions.

Illustration of satellite orbiting the moon

Texas A&M joins multimillion-dollar moon orbit tracking project

Researchers in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University are joining a multi-university team to improve space domain awareness. The Air Force is awarding up to $5 million for the five-year Space University Research Initiative.

An image of a satellite orbiting above Earth.

Revolutionizing In-Space Operations Technologies

The U.S. Space Force awarded $37.6 million for the five-year project that will infuse new technologies into space research and operations.

$70M Space Modular Manipulators Project

Dr. Rob Ambrose is leading the Space Modular Manipulators Project, a $70M contract for the development of a space-rated robotic manipulator awarded by the Air Force Research Lab Space Technology Branch at Kirkland Air Force Base.

Astronauts performing maintenance at a Mars colony.

Texas A&M Heeds Gov. Abbott’s Call for Space Engineering Degree

New engineering dean, key faculty members support the concept.

Building for the Future

Texas A&M has been a space-grant university since 1989 and continues to lead space initiatives today. The university is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to construct a state-of-the-art facility adjacent to the Johnson Space Center. This $200 million investment from the Texas Legislature aims to propel space exploration forward by providing cutting-edge simulation environments for lunar and Martian terrain.

Texas A&M Announces New Space Institute

Illustration of a Mars Rover on martian soil in front of a building

Upcoming Educational Opportunities

Texas A&M has a strong foundation for new degrees in space engineering. Starting in Fall 2024, the college will offer the Human Systems Integration and Bioastronautics graduate certificate program to prepare engineering, human physiology and medical professionals to address the growing challenges of civil and commercial human spaceflight.

The college is working toward a new space engineering degree, which could be available as soon as Fall 2025. Through rigorous academic curricula and hands-on experiences, students will cultivate the skills necessary to shape the future of space travel, exploration and colonization.