Aerospace engineering is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world today
It is a highly technical field with growing demand. A career in aerospace engineering requires advanced math and physics skills and specialized education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is expected to grow 8% by 2030.
The term aerospace engineering combines aircraft and spacecraft and encompasses the study of the atmosphere of the earth and outer space.
This emerging field was established in 1958 when NASA was founded to build the first American satellite in response to Russia launching Sputnik 1 in 1957.
Aircraft aerodynamics investigates the flow of air over the aircraft wings, around objects, and through wind tunnels. Fluid mechanics focus on the flow of fluid around objects. This includes the forces of friction and drag.
There are many specialized areas for engineers within the aerospace industry including aircraft systems design
Aerospace engineers are often referred to as aerodynamic engineers. These engineers develop technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and spacecraft. They may concentrate in areas such as structural design, aerodynamic fluid flow, navigation, and control systems. Other specialized fields include instrumentation and communications, manufacturing robotics, computer electronic systems, and combustion.
Aerospace engineers often become experts in one or more related fields of engineering, for instance, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, materials, celestial mechanics, flight mechanics, propulsion, acoustics, and guidance and control systems.
Skilled engineers may also focus on manufacturing and designing specific components for aviation products, such as commercial and military airplanes and helicopters; remotely piloted aircraft (drones), and rotorcraft.
Spacecraft may include robotic satellites, such as earth observation satellites, spy satellites, and communications satellites. The military also needs highly trained engineers to design and develop military vehicles and projectile weapons, such as missiles and rockets. For scientific research, we also need engineers to work on the development of probes and space stations. Space probes include interplanetary, orbiters, and landers. Imagine working on the invention of probes capable of bringing back samples from celestial bodies.
Aerospace engineers typically specialize in one of two types of engineering: aeronautical or astronautical
Aeronautical engineers work with aircraft design and propulsion systems and study the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and construction materials.
The fields of aeronautics and aerospace engineering are broad and dynamic. Engineers who specialize in these fields are responsible for the design and construction of aircraft, satellites, and other large-scale projects. Their job involves understanding the intricate parts and systems that make up these projects. Aside from the technical side of their jobs, aerospace engineers also have an important impact on the environment. These careers offer numerous job benefits. Students who wish to pursue a career in aerospace engineering should enroll in a degree program in this field.
Aerospace engineers should be highly accurate, technical, and fast thinking. An education in aerospace engineering will teach you the principles, theories, and processes of aeronautics.
Interesting Statistics
The top four aerospace industry leaders in the United States are Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and United Technologies
There are fifty-nine airlines just in the United States
Florida has over two thousand aerospace companies, employing approximately 82,000 people in the industry
The U.S. Department of Defense employs 720,000 civilians and 2.2 million military personnel
In Summary
A degree in aeronautical engineering will teach you the basic principles of aviation. The field focuses on the design and production of aircraft. In general, aeronautical engineers must be accurate and precise and be able to solve problems and make accurate calculations.
A degree in aerospace engineering focuses on both aircraft and spacecraft.
There is a multitude of more specialized fields within each of these courses of study. Both aerospace engineers and aeronautical engineers learn how to develop new products, improve existing ones, and evaluate their designs.
