Aerospace Engineering

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Neil Armstrong's "one small step for man" on the moon would not have been possible if it was not for the aerospace engineers who designed the rocket that got him there.

Engineers take scientific principles and theories and apply them to practical situations. Aerospace engineers are the engineers who design, create, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They also supervise the production of these products. They work with, and help develop, some of the most advanced technologies on the planet. Aerospace engineers have produced everything from lightweight gliders, to airplanes that weigh over a half a million pounds, to communication satellites and the space shuttle.

Aerospace engineers are often divided into two major groups: aeronautical engineers (who work first and foremost with aircraft) and astronautical engineers (who work primarily with spacecraft). However, all aerospace engineers must have an understanding of the field’s core subjects, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, thermodynamics, and guidance and control systems.

Engineers usually specialize in one area, such as structural design, propulsion systems, instrumentation, communications, or even production methods. In the process of creating the vehicle, system, or part they need, they use advanced equipment, including computer-aided design (CAD) software, robotics, lasers, and advanced electronic optics.

Communication in means of satellite has drastically improved in the past couple of years, and as demand continues to expand for more TV channels, cell phones, and Internet access, the demand for communication satellites will also increase. Aerospace engineers are needed to design, build, and maintain such satellites. Many aerospace engineers work for companies that design and build new aircraft or aircraft parts, companies such as Bombardier and Boeing. Others are employed by companies that make sure older aircraft are safe for flight. Some other, who are involved in military...
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