Mechanics of Materials

Here's an answer that might satisfy you: Aerodynamics Introduction to Rocket Science and Engineering Fundamentals of Astrodynamics The simple answer to your question is "no".When it comes to military jets, it's "designed by people with PhDs, built by people with masters degrees, operated by people with bachelors degrees, and maintained by people with high school diplomas." (Note where you are) Not a perfect explanation, but it gets the point across. Given ten years, you might be able to make a dent in rocket science, but you will not master it. The answer that might annoy you but be the most viable is:Master mathematics on Khan Academy (especially the basics. Do as much of it without a calculator as possible, and study model rocketry resources. Start with that Model Rocketry Study Guide. Also maybe try to familiarize yourself with Python. Inevitably, you will need undergraduate-level studies. Take linear algebra before multivariable calculus. You'll thank me later. Statics would also be good to take before multivariable calculus and would dovetail nicely with linear algebra. I would prescribe something like: Calc I Programming in Python some sort of engineering fundamentals Calc II Microeconomics (everything requires a budget) maybe some more programming; pick up an Arduino or something Linear Algebra Statics Physics I Calc III Dynamics Physics II Diff Eq Mechanics of Materials Physics III Fluid Mechanics That's about 2½ years of university there. Anything beyond that will take a more qualified person to answer. All you get at that point is a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering. The more solid you can be on these things, the easier your life will be. You have to ask yourself whether you want to struggle with your courses or enjoy your courses. Enjoying your physics courses takes a great deal of mathematical maturity.