Branches of Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering can be generally separated into two branches: aeronautics – the study of atmospheric-based structures and systems, and astronautics – the study of spacecraft structures and systems. These two branches do have many areas of overlap, and there are many subsets that include one or both of these branches, including:
- Aerospace Design and Structures - General design of aircraft and spacecraft structures
- Aerospace Theory - Studies of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and other physical properties involved in aerospace structures
- Aircraft Systems - Interior systems for aircraft including control systems, wiring, and navigation systems
- Information Systems for Aerospace Systems - Computer and network systems for the control of and communication with aircraft and spacecraft.
- Propulsion System Design - The design of air-breathing engines for atmospheric craft or rocket systems for spacecraft.
- Spacecraft System Design - Design and development of satellites,
- Missile System Design - Design of short, medium, or long range missiles, including air-to-air missiles, ground-to-air missiles, up to inter-continental ballistic missiles
Aerospace Engineering Professional Societies
The primary professional society for aerospace engineers is the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). According to the AIAA website, “With more than 31,000 members, AIAA is the world’s largest professional society devoted to the progress of engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense.”
Specialty societies exist for engineers who focus on certain areas within the profession, such as the Society of Flight Test Engineers, Satellite Industry Association (SIA), Sigma Gamma Tau, the honor society for aerospace engineering, and the Aerospace and Electronics Systems Society of the IEEE.
Sources
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Aeronautical Engineering division website
AIAA website
Career Cornerstone website