My long-term goal is to work in the space industry, ideally in space systems engineering or flight software. However, I'm currently starting a computer science undergraduate degree because my plans to study aerospace engineering abroad didn't work out, and I don't have the time or money to apply again right now.
I'd like to move beyond generic web development and focus on skills that could help me work with spacecraft, embedded systems, or other low-level software. I'm considering starting with C++ and learning additional technologies over time, but I'm also wondering whether C or Rust would be a better choice. Python seems useful too, especially for simulations and data analysis.
Is it realistic to use a computer science degree as a path into the space industry? Which language should I prioritize, and what kinds of projects or subjects should I focus on so I'm not studying randomly? I'm especially interested in building things and want to make the most of my degree even though I couldn't pursue aerospace or mechanical engineering.
4 Answers
Start with C if your course covers it, then move into C++. C gives you a strong foundation for memory, pointers, data layout, and how software interacts with hardware. C++ is definitely still used in systems and aerospace work, so claims that it is completely dead are exaggerated.
A computer science degree can absolutely lead to the space industry. Focus on programming fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, embedded systems, computer architecture, control systems, and applied mathematics. For software roles, C++ is a practical choice, Python is useful for analysis and simulation, and Rust can be added later.
The exact language matters less than being able to write reliable, testable, deterministic software. Look at current job listings for the kinds of aerospace roles you want and use them to guide your electives and projects. A portfolio involving embedded hardware, telemetry, simulation, robotics, or real-time software can help connect your CS background to space systems.
Python is a great language to learn as well, especially for simulations, data analysis, automation, and quickly testing ideas. It can teach you general programming concepts, but it shouldn’t be your only focus if you want embedded or flight-software work. You can learn Python relatively quickly alongside a lower-level language.
That makes sense. I’ll use Python for experiments and simulations while continuing to develop stronger systems programming skills.
Don’t try to collect programming languages like trophies. Go deep on fundamentals and build things. C or C++ would be useful for low-level work, while Rust is worth exploring later because some newer systems projects are adopting it.
Projects with an Arduino or Raspberry Pi could be especially useful. Work with sensors, communication protocols, control loops, and hardware interfaces. You could also build a small physics or orbital simulation. Those projects will teach you much more than simply completing language tutorials.
I already have an Arduino and Raspberry Pi at home, so I’ll start using them more seriously instead of only following basic tutorials.
My university teaches C in the first semester, so I’ll be able to build that foundation there. I was considering studying some C++ alongside it, but I’ll make sure I understand C properly first.