“How do we get there?”: An Introduction to Aerospace Engineering 

By Artemis

Where do we start?

Have you ever looked up at the sky on a clear, starlit night and wondered “How can we get up there?” The thought of flight has resided in man for centuries. The science needed to explore the atmosphere and beyond, to see worlds other than our own is one of great interest and challenge. This is aerospace engineering - designing, developing, and testing aircraft, spacecraft, and related inventions. 

Artemis I First Rollout (NHQ202203170038) by NASA (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Aerospace engineering is commonly divided into two branches:

1. Aeronautical engineering, which focuses on building and testing aircraft which operate within the Earth’s atmosphere. Examples include helicopters, drones, and commercial airplanes.

2. Astronautical engineering, which focuses more on building and testing aircraft which operate beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Examples include satellites, space shuttles, and space probes.

Although they are different branches, they have many overlaps. Certain topics, techniques, and projects involve aspects which include both aeronautical and astronautical engineering. 

What will we learn?

These are some of the topics involved in the study of aerospace engineering:

1. Aerodynamics: This is the study of forces and the motion of objects through air. This helps us to measure forces to help aircraft fly despite gravity and air resistance.

2. Propulsion: The study of building efficient, safe and environment friendly engines (e.g. propellers) for aircraft and spacecraft. 

3. Structures: The analysis and design of the structures of an aircraft or spacecraft vehicle to overcome aerodynamic forces, turbulence, and maneuvers. This is crucial to the safety of the vehicle.

4. Avionics: The development and integration of electronic systems for control, navigation, and communication in an aircraft or spacecraft.

5. Spacecraft design: The development and design of spacecraft capable of withstanding harsh conditions in space.

6. Orbital mechanics: The study of the motion of objects around celestial bodies.

7. Thermodynamics: The study of heat and how it affects the activity of a vehicle or device. 

8. Aircraft performance: The performance of the aircraft while it is in the air, during takeoff, or landing.

9. Control systems: The manufacturing, development and repair components of an aircraft/spacecraft which allow safe and efficient performance of the aircraft.

10. Aeroelasticity: The study of the structural flexibility of a vehicle due to its interaction with forces.

Launch of Apollo 11 (CC BY 2.0)

These are just a few of the topics in aerospace engineering. The world of the creation of flight is extremely vast and diverse, involving experience from other areas of study beyond the basic requirements. This is why aerospace engineers often collaborate with people from various educational backgrounds to make their projects. For example, they may work with geologists to look for potential landing sites, or work with meteorologists to understand how atmospheric conditions will affect the vehicle in flight.

How do we apply aerospace engineering?

The science of flight extends beyond commercial planes and rockets sent to the moon. These technologies have a vast array of uses and purposes, one of which is communication. The internet you are using to access this article is made possible by satellites which allow the internet to operate. Satellites also help you to find your way on a GPS when you are lost on your way to somewhere you have to be. The weather forecast you watch is made by data gathered using satellites which orbit the Earth. 

Space Station Over Earth (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Another place where applications of these sciences can be seen is in the making of other vehicles, such as the design of cars. Running a vehicle to deal with air resistance while having enough speed and using minimal fuel requires concepts which aerospace engineering also works with. 

Aerospace engineering is also prominent in military applications, such as designing fighter aircraft and missiles. This all shows how versatile the skills learned in this field of engineering are, such that they may be used in many areas of work.

The science of flight is nonetheless one of the most interesting fields of technology. It uses many skills and concepts to give life to a vehicle, and has allowed us many of the things we use in our daily lives.