Astronautics is the science and technology of space travel and exploration. It involves the design, development, and operation of spacecraft and systems that allow humans and machines to travel beyond Earth's atmosphere. This field encompasses various disciplines, including engineering, physics, and computer science, to ensure safe and effective missions. Key components of astronautics include rockets, which propel spacecraft into space, and satellites, which orbit Earth and provide valuable data. Astronautics also involves the study of orbital mechanics, which helps in planning trajectories for missions, and the training of astronauts who operate these spacecraft during their journeys.