What is Aerospace engineering: Definition and 275 Discussions

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It has two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. Avionics engineering is similar, but deals with the electronics side of aerospace engineering.
"Aeronautical engineering" was the original term for the field. As flight technology advanced to include vehicles operating in outer space, the broader term "aerospace engineering" has come into use. Aerospace engineering, particularly the astronautics branch, is often colloquially referred to as "rocket science".

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  1. R

    Programs What Math Courses are Needed for an Aerospace Engineering Degree?

    What additional Maths do I require? Like parabolic function or advanced algebra?
  2. T

    Programs Aerospace Engineering degree with double major?

    Hello; I am currently a California Community College student and my interests are currently Math, Physics and Aerospace Engineering. I am trying to decide on a double major between the three of these and was looking for advice on that and what would be best. I guess my options are: Math +...
  3. F

    Is Italy a good place to study Aerospace Engineering?

    I have applied to (and expecting admit) to a university in italy for masters in aerospace engineering. I also have the grant to study over there. However, I am confused reading the general perspective of italy as a place to study and live since their economy has been going down for years with no...
  4. B

    Engineering Aerospace Engineering Course requirements

    Hello! I'm here to ask a question regarding Aerospace Engineering. And before I do so, I just want to make sure my definition of Aerospace Engineering is correct. It's a field involved in the design and research of aircraft or spacecraft . And if my definition is correct, I would like to state...
  5. P

    Engineering Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering?

    Hi, I'm currently a Sophomore with a major in Mechanical Engineering. However, I'm really conflicted in deciding what my major should be. I really love anything space related and was thinking about switching my major to Aerospace Engineering. I want to eventually work at places such as NASA or...
  6. C

    Engineering BS Aerospace Engineering or BS Aircraft Maintenance Technology?

    Hi, since I don't have money, I didn't include BS Air Transportation in my choices. My friend and I are really confused. We are now already in college and currently taking aerospace engineering. However, it is so hard but I think we can make it (we haven't failed so far) but the problem is the...
  7. H

    Programs Second Bachelors Degree in Aerospace engineering at age 27?

    Hi guys, I hope I can explain my situation well enough and get some good feedback on what to do. I graduated with a Bachelors in Economics, at the age of 24, started college late due to some financial hardship. I've been working for two years now, and I'm at a crossroads on what to do next...
  8. A

    Aerospace Engineering Contest Site

    Hi everyone this is my first time posting on this forum and I didn't know where to put this so hopefully this doesn't get marked as spam. I am actually a Graphic Designer studying at Boston University, and I am working on an Aerospace Design Contest website for engineers in the Aerospace...
  9. R

    Programs Bachelors degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering?

    I want to be an aerospace engineer, but the university i want to go to doesn't offer it as a major (or master for that matter). So i was wondering if it would be best to first get a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering then get a master's degree in aerospace engineering (in another...
  10. S

    Schools Need Help With my aerospace engineering college options

    Hello I am a senior in high school and intend to study aerospace engineering at university.I have some university options but it would be very helpful if someone can provide me informtion about how well the departments are in those universites? My choices are -University of Southern California...
  11. Monsterboy

    Which CAD Software is Most Widely Used in Aerospace Engineering?

    What are the CAD and analysis softwares most widely used by Aerospace engineers?
  12. S

    Programs  me with aerospace engineering major Decision

    Hello,I am a senior year student and my intention is to study aerospace engineering.I saw on the internet that some AP courses were required in high school but I live in Turkey and we have two options in high schools either scientific or litterature fields and there is no option of taking AP...
  13. T

    Computer Engineering VS Aerospace Engineering

    I am very confused as to which major I would like to choose. I am very interested in computer engineering because one day (hopefully soon) I would like to be a entrepreneur and own my own business and make decent- good money. Money isn't the biggest thing to me, but rather owning my own business...
  14. P

    Engineering Physics Ph.D. Grad wanting to return to Aerospace Engineering

    I recently received a Physics Ph.D. but I had previously studied and earned an Aerospace Engineering masters degree. After spending several years earning my Ph.D. I have decided I would much rather practice Aerospace Engineering professionally. Unfortunately, I have had little success in...
  15. S

    Career in aerospace engineering with a mechanical eng. background

    I am a student currently studying 3rd year in mechanical engineering. What can be my career options in aerospace industry?I also have interest in doing higher studies. What are the courses i can choose realted to aerospace engineering? Kindly reply
  16. Y

    Engineering I need to ask some questions about aerospace engineering.

    I'm considering it as a career, but I'd like to know a few things first. 1. Do you design aircraft or spacecraft ? 2. What college would be best for someone wanting to become an aerospace engineer? 3. What are some of the tools you use in your work? 4. What's one of your favorite...
  17. N

    Programs Aerospace Engineering and Physics Double Major?

    Hi all, I'm currently a junior in high school (going to be a senior in the 13-14 school year) and I'm starting to think about what I want to major in. i want to do Aerospace Engineering and eventually focus on Astronautical Engineering because it seems like a great way to apply all of the...
  18. P

    Aerospace Engineering Reading Material for a Newbie

    In the future I would really like to enroll in an aerospace engineering course and I was wondering if there are any good books out there which cover the important parts of this discipline? I came across the following page which contains some of the topics that will be taught in university (at...
  19. V

    Aerospace Engineering in Canada: Can I Use It for Other Jobs?

    Hey guys, I really want to be an aerospace engineer but there isn't many jobs for aerospace engineering in Canada(unless I'm wrong) so let's say i get an aerospace engineering degree can i use it to apply to other jobs?
  20. L

    Maths requirements for aerospace engineering

    Hello, right now I am a first year architecture student in the UK, but I'm really not enjoying my course as much as i'd thought I would. I think I surprised my family when I chose this path, as they all assumed I would do something either in science or engineering. Anyway, I am considering...
  21. C

    From chemical engineering to aerospace engineering

    I am about to finish my Chemical engineering degree, but i am starting to lose interest in it. instead, I am getting really interested in aerodynamics, jet propulsion, aircraft design, and other stuff involving aerospace/aeronautical engineering. I was wondering if it is possible to get an...
  22. G

    Aerospace Engineering versus Mechanical Engineering

    Hello, I’m a freshman engineering student at CU Boulder and I'm currently majoring in mechanical engineering, but I am seriously considering making the switch to aerospace engineering. I had a 4.0 GPA for the fall semester, but obviously that is not with very difficult classes (calculus...
  23. W

    Can You Switch from Mechanical to Aerospace Engineering During Your Degree?

    Hello, I am new here and joined this forum so I could get an answer to this question: Do you have to start in an aerospace engineering program to get a degree in it? Or could you start in mechanical engineering, and then transfer over to aerospace? I am trying to figure out schools and such and...
  24. J

    Which school would you recommend for Master's at aerospace engineering?

    I'm a student in Korea. I want to get Master's degree at North America. But I don't know which university is good for me. If you have an idea, please feel free to share. Thanks !
  25. J

    Need a couple of ODE's used in aerospace engineering

    Homework Statement I have an assignment where I must solve a coupled system of equations, with di fferential interdependencies (e.g. a system of ODEs) of dimension no less than three (e.g. in x; y and z). choose a system relevance to Aerospace Engineering, or some applied topic. You must use...
  26. G

    Aerospace Engineering or Physics?

    I was initially going to school to be a math major. I didn't have any issues with the difficulty of the classes, however they were boring the hell out of me and I just wasn't enjoying it. So, I've decided to switch it up. Here's the deal. I could just switch to a physics degree at my current...
  27. B

    Engineering Non-Traditional Students and Aerospace Engineering

    A few years after I finished high school, I took a few subjects at my local community college with no real major in mind, didn't do very well and then left school for almost six years. I'm not going to make excuses for myself, I just wasn't a good student. Period. I didn't have a goal in mind. I...
  28. N

    Physics Undergraduate Mechanical vs Aerospace Engineering

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  29. M

    Schools Astrophysics and Aerospace Engineering in Graduate School?

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  30. S

    Engineering Is Aerospace Engineering for me?

    I'll try to keep this brief and concise, but I do have quite a bit to discuss so please bear with me. To give you a backstory, I am a sophomore at a university pursuing a BS, and eventually an MS, in aerospace engineering. I was undecided upon a major until the end of my senior year of high...
  31. S

    Engineering Mechanical vs Aerospace engineering

    Is it true that the 2 have a lot of overlapping curriculum? At least that's what i have heard, can an actual Aerospace engineer comment on this as well? I ask because i want to go into aerospace engineering but up here in Canada, there are like 2 schools in the entire country that offer the...
  32. A

    Engineering Aerospace Engineering and propulsion

    Hello In a few weeks I'll have to chose which degree and University to attend (I am an undergraduate). I was thinking about aerospace engineering, though I haven't really made up my mind yet. At first I wanted to take astrophysics, but once I understood that eventually I would have ended up...
  33. S

    Aerospace engineering or Aircraft maintenance for MSc

    Hello guys I'm studying electronics engineering in Bahrain and graduating by the end of the year. I am thinking of taking Aerospace engineering or Aircraft Maintenance Engineering for my Masters degree. ( Is it possible? ) I want your opinion on both subjects and which is better to go...
  34. M

    Engineering I was VERY interested in aerospace engineering, but everyone tells me

    Hi, I've always loved maths, science and engineering.. I have to pick a degree very soon, but i don't know which.. I was VERY interested in aerospace engineering, but everyone tells me there are NO DEMAND for this job, or it has no future. There are few places just as NASA, but I don't...
  35. L

    Aerospace Engineering at CU Boulder or Mech E. at Colorado School of Mines

    Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone had any advice. I have the opportunity to study at either Colorado School of Mines for MECH Eng. or at CU Boulder for Aerospace Eng. I wish to work in engine design at NASA or Space X or really anywhere eventually. So I was wondering if anyone had any...
  36. M

    Programs Aerospace Engineering PhD to Astrophysics Postdoc

    Hi, I'm from the UK and I'm in my final year of an aerospace engineering PhD which focuses on civil aircraft and engine design. For some time I have felt that engineering is too restrictive in terms of the science available to use; due to it's applied nature and safety restrictions within the...
  37. M

    Aerospace Engineering PhD to Astrophysics Postdoc

    Hi, I'm from the UK and I'm in my final year of an aerospace engineering PhD which focuses on civil aircraft and engine design. For some time I have felt that engineering is too restrictive in terms of the science available to use; due to it's applied nature and safety restrictions within the...
  38. L

    Is BS not enough for a job in Aerospace engineering?

    I have a couple of doubts, but firstly I ask You to answer the one in the title. I've heard that Aero/Astro is primarily a Master's degree major and Bachelor of Science in Engineering with major in Aero/Astro is not enough to be hired by a company like Boeing or Lockheed, is it true? Thanks
  39. M

    Aerospace Engineering Space Systems Design Careers?

    I plan on switching from electrical to aerospace engineering in the winter and aerospace engineering at my university is basically split into 4 parts, the one that seems to interest me the most is the space systems design), but I'm curious if there is any aerospace engineers here who are in that...
  40. L

    Engineering Aerospace Engineering outlook (also security clearance question)

    I've gotten most of my math, gen ed, and basic physics classes out of the way and this August I am jumping headfirst into engineering classes, either Electrical or Aerospace. Money is not a motive for me, although employability is. Aerospace design and rocket propulsion just seems so much more...
  41. S

    Engineering Petroleum and Aerospace Engineering DifferenceS

    Hi, I am trying to decide between Aerospace and Petroleum engineering an dwas looking for what the differences in the jobs are. Things like work environment, pay, travel, degrees needed, and prospective outlook of each field. Also can a bachelors degree suffice or is a masters needed and are...
  42. Q

    Engineering Career stability in astrophysics and aerospace engineering

    I have heard much about how careers in aerospace engineering and astrophysics can be hard to find, one has to move around a lot, and the salary is not great. As far as money goes I don't care too much, but I'd like to make at least 75k a year, but I don't want to have to move around more than 2...
  43. R

    Where should I get my Aerospace Engineering Degree

    I am looking into starting my education; and have been interested in Aerospace Engineering. However, I am not finding much help on the web as to which prerequisites I aught to have accomplished first. I suppose much of that has to do with the specific school I will be attending. I also...
  44. B

    Astrophysics into Aerospace Engineering?

    Hello everyone! I'm here to discuss my decision on becoming an aerospace engineer. However there aren't that many universities that provide this program. I was accepted to three universities that taught this program, but they cost a fortune. So i had to chose a university that didn't have this...
  45. J

    Subjects needed in High School for Aerospace Engineering

    Hi, I'm from Australia, in Year 9 of High School and planning on becoming an Aerospace Engineer. Next year is when everything starts to get serious and I've been thinking what I want to do with my life, and I eventually settled down on an Aerospace Engineer. So what subjects do i need to pick...
  46. J

    Engineering Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering?

    I'm pretty much confused right now, I've just completed Higher National Diploma in Aerospace engineering and i aim to study further about aviation science and management concepts in aviation. I'm mainly confused on which course to chose - B.Sc in Aeronautical engineering or in Aerospace...
  47. Y

    Comparing ISAE Toulouse, TU Delft & Univ. of Maryland for Aerospace Engineering

    Which is better for aerospace engineering ISAE TOULOUSE;TU DELFT;UNIV. OF MARYLAND.?? I have got admission into Msc in aeronautics and space system in ISAE Toulouse and Msc in aerospace engineering (control & operations as specialization) at TU Delft, University of Maryland for masters in...
  48. J

    Engineering In my particular case, is Aerospace Engineering good?

    Hello, I'd like to know your opinions, all are wellcome but in particular the ones comming from engineers already in industry. I have to decide if I continue my current pathway in Civil and Structural Engineering or if I change to Aerospace (branch Aerostractures). The main thing is that I'm...
  49. P

    Physics and aerospace engineering for future career focus

    I am currently planning on double majoring in Physics (either concentrated or engineering) and aerospace engineering. My question is will this be a good undergraduate combination for a future focus in antimatter and its applications to spacecraft (specifically propulsion)? I'm sure physics...
  50. K

    Schools Respectable Aerospace Engineering Non-Ivy Schools.

    I was going to attend University of Cinncinatti for ME. But now I think I want to change my major to Aerospace Engineering. I recently found out that their AE program wasn't particularly "good". With my High School stats, I'm definitely not getting accepted to the top aerospace Engineering...
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