Aerospace engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the design, development and construction of aircrafts, spacecrafts and their related systems. Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing, building and testing these vehicles as well as ensuring they meet safety regulations. They also develop new technologies to improve flight performance and reliability in a variety of environments.
Aerospace engineering encompasses many different disciplines including aeronautical engineering (the study of flight within Earth’s atmosphere), astronautical engineering (the study of spaceflight) propulsion system design, materials science, avionics (aviation electronics) and control systems. It requires a deep understanding of physics principles such as fluid dynamics, mechanics, thermodynamics and structural analysis. In addition to this knowledge base aerospace engineers must understand how people interact with machines so ergonomics plays an important role in every aspect from cockpit layout to display screens used by pilots or astronauts during missions.
The history of aerospace technology goes back centuries but it was not until the 19th century that serious attempts were made at powered flights using balloons, gliders or self-propelled planes assisted by steam engines or other internal combustion engines . The Wright Brothers achieved manned powered flight on December 17th 1903 after years experimenting with various designs leading up to their famous Flyer aircraft which flew for 120 feet over Kitty Hawk North Carolina . This marked the beginning of modern day aviation which has since grown into one industry encompassing both commercial airlines services as well military applications ranging from air superiority fighters to intercontinental ballistic missiles capable delivering nuclear payloads across continents .
In recent years advances in computing power have allowed aerospace engineers create incredibly complex simulations allowing them carry out virtual tests before committing resources towards physically constructing a prototype model later tested under laboratory conditions . Software programs like MATLAB , CAD/CAM software , computational fluid dynamics software all play pivotal roles helping develop efficient designs faster than ever before while reducing risk associated developing physical prototypes first hand .
Advances in materials science allow aerospace engineers construct stronger lighter components making future generations airframes more fuel efficient than ever imagined earlier decades without compromising strength required keeping safe during turbulent weather encountered en route destinations around globe . Recent developments composite material use have increased efficiency gains significantly allowing companies build large passenger jetliners nearly double speed record set Concorde supersonic airliner early 2000s while consuming much less fuel compared predecessors giving rise “greener” flying experience travelers around world enjoy today provided still remains cost effective enough profitable businesses remain competitive market place where customers expecting lowest fares possible traveling abroad leisure business alike
As demand rises global level due increasing population sizes shrinking costs behind travel options available average person thanks advancements fields mentioned above growth industry will continue foreseeable future although skill sets required become increasingly specialized requiring higher education degrees order stay ahead competition maintain job security times economic uncertainty experienced current climate