Image Credit: USC RPL
As an Electrical and Computer Engineering major, my blog posts have primarily reflected my perspective within ECE. Therefore, to change it up a bit, I interviewed a friend of mine who is studying Astronautical Engineering to gain their insights on some of the most relevant questions for USC students.
Astronautical Engineering (ASTE) is a smaller, sometimes overlooked major when compared to Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME). However, it is essential to highlight the unique experiences and stories of its students. While ASTE and AME share some similarities, their distinct course structures allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the field.
Without further ado, meet Autumn Zaretsky, an extremely talented and motivated Astronautical Engineering student here at USC! I met her through VSI (which I wrote about here), where she was actually my roommate! She’s a sophomore, and she’s involved in various student organizations such as the USC Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL) and the Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion and Energy (ASPEN) Lab. Here’s a cute photo of her from when we went to Universal together!
Q: Why did you pick Astronautical Engineering (ASTE) at USC specifically?
A: “I chose astronautical engineering because of my high school engineering experience and strong interest in space, with the long-term goal of one day applying to be an astronaut. USC stood out not only for its substantial scholarships but also as one of the few universities offering an astronautical engineering major. The achievements of the Rocket Propulsion Lab and the university’s many astronaut alumni made it an even more compelling choice.”
Q: What are your goals after graduation?
A: “After college, I hope to work for a major space company and possibly earn a PhD someday, as I’ve come to really enjoy research at USC.”
Q: What student organizations are you involved in?
A: “I am currently a member of the Rocket Propulsion Lab, where we recently set the record for the highest and fastest amateur rocket. Additionally, I am a lead in the Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion and Energy Laboratory, where we are developing an electric propulsion thruster for future CubeSat applications.”
Q: What has been your favorite ASTE project so far?
A: “Last spring, I worked with a group of ASTE students to launch a high-altitude balloon 100,000 feet up to capture footage of the solar eclipse. It was an unforgettable experience that also introduced me to many technical skills I now use regularly.”
Autumn, thank you again for letting me share your experience as an ASTE student. I look forward to seeing what else you accomplish!
