Stars and galaxies - that's astronomy. Or astrophysics. Studying how they move, their celestial behavior, what physical laws apply or don't apply to them. Looking at phenomena like black holes, or learning about the different kinds of stars.

[ He's pleased, a little more animated, and his stare flicks up to the sky as well, momentarily washing his eyes out with a brighter blue hue in reflection before he looks down again. This is a good topic. ]

Spaceships, that's different. Astroengineering. Learning how to design machines and systems that will survive and function in outer space. It focuses on building materials, structural integrity, even engine design. I myself specialize in aerospace engineering -- it's similar, but more concerned with building airplanes and jets. Nothing meant to leave the atmosphere, at least not for very long.

[ There's a coy smirk on his face, as if he's got a secret he's debating sharing with Richard, but eventually decides that he might as well. ]

We have a craft capable of suborbital spaceflight, you know. And I know how to fly it.

[ A craft they could use, so that Richard can experience it for himself. Hypothetically. ]