Aerospace Engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned essentially with the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment. Aerospace Engineering has traditionally focused on problems related to atmospheric and space flight, with two major and overlapping branches: Aeronautical Engineering and Astronautical engineering.
- Aeronautical Engineeringfocuses on the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the earth’s atmosphere.
- Astronautical Engineeringfocuses on the science and technology of spacecraft and launch vehicles.
Aerospace engineering is largely the design, construction and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and weapons systems. Main focuses can include flight safety, fuel efficiency, operating costs and environmental impact. Aerospace engineers may have a choice between the research and development, testing or maintenance side of the profession. They are often tasked with calculating project costs and timescales, writing manuals and upgrading and developing new technologies. They are now also likely to learn how to use computer-aided design software for plans. Experienced aerospace engineers may investigate air crashes and the malfunctioning of parts.
Students of aerospace engineering apply concepts which can encompass maths, science and technology to the creation of aircraft and accompanying equipment. Specialisms include aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion and systems integration.
