Getting to space takes a rocket. Staying there takes careful orbital mechanics. Astronautics covers the science and technology of spaceflight, from launch vehicles to life support systems to deep-space navigation.

The discipline split from aeronautics as rockets grew powerful enough to escape Earth's atmosphere. Early work was military and political. Commercial and scientific missions now dominate the field, though national programmes still drive major projects.

Core areas

• Launch vehicle design and staging
• Orbital mechanics and mission planning
• Spacecraft subsystems and power
• Human spaceflight and life support

Astronautics has no margin for improvisation. A failed component cannot be repaired by a technician on site. Everything must work the first time, or a mission ends and sometimes a crew is lost.