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Engineers account for a large number of professionals employed in the space sector. It is one of the key professions of the space team. Engineering involves the science of making practical application of pure sciences. Computers, satellites, aircraft, space vehicles, space stations, lasers, artificial intelligence and advanced materials, to name only a few achievements, involve the application of engineering principles.
Here are some of the engineering disciplines which are key to the space field.
Aerospace (Aeronautical) Engineers design and develop aerospace vehicles, such as aircraft, rockets, satellites and spacecraft,and supervise their manufacturing, integration,testing,modification, maintenance and repair. They also design aircraft/spacecraft structures, engines and propulsion systems,using the principles of aerodynamics and mechanics.
Avionics/Instrumentation Engineers specialize in the design,development,manufacturing, testing and installation of avionics electronics,instrumentation,sensors and flight control computer systems for spacecraft.
Computer Engineers design computer hardware, software programs and systems to connect networks of computers.Computer Engineers may be programmers,who write and code the instructions that control the operation of the computer, or they may be system designers,who develop the integrated computer systems that control spacecraft operations.
Data Communications Engineers are involved in the field of satellite-based telecommunications for customers. They provide technical input for customer proposals and telecommunications requirements and network design specifications. Data Communications Engineers are very familiar with computer architecture and operating systems aspects as well as voice and video transmission components relating to satellite communications.
Data Communications Implementation Engineers are involved in setting up new voice/data systems,such as those used by telecommunications satellites.They purchase hardware and software for projects, review design details and testing of equipment.
Electronics/Electrical Engineers plan and develop aerospace electronic control equipment for spacecraft and rocket vehicles and telecommunications radio equipment to communication with spacecraft or with astronauts.They design and test satellite antennas, power systems and components, radio transmitters and receivers.
Materials Engineers are involved in the development and application of advanced materials, such as ceramics. Ceramics Engineers use the minerals found in clay, sand and some kinds of stone to make products that resist heat and corrosion. Special ceramics,such as thin glass fibers, can be used for communications equipment,and heat-resistant ceramic tiles protect the space shuttle during its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.
Mechanical Engineers are designers, builders and testers. In the space industry, they design spacecraft and help in the maintenance and testing of satellites,space hardware and related equipment and systems.
Robotics Engineers design and build robots and robotic systems to do tasks in environments,which are unsafe for humans.These robotic systems can be used in the vacuum of space. Robotic arms,such as the Canadarm or Canada's Mobile Servicing System for the International Space Station, can do tasks in space, controlled by astronauts inside a space shuttle or space station.
Spacecraft Engineers design,develop, manufacture and flight test all systems for spacecraft,including satellites, rockets and reusable orbiting vehicles, such as the space shuttle. Such systems would include the basic design of the spacecraft structure, telemetry and communications, instrumentation,sensors, orbital parameters,attitude and control systems,selection of spacecraft materials, power supplies and life support systems.
Technology Development Engineers in satellite communications evaluate and specify new technologies which help develop new satellite-based or integrated terrestrial/satellite services.
Telecommunications Maintenance Engineers handle coordination of telecommunications traffic and the transfer of that traffic (i.e ,TV cable programs,newspaper transmissions,long-distance communications) between satellites,Earth stations and ground-based networks.
