What is Aerospace Engineering?

From ambitious space missions to upcoming satellite, rocket, and missile launches, India’s aerospace journey is expected to expand in the future.

These advancements not only elevate the country’s global standing but also open up vast career opportunities for the next generation.

This rapid growth highlights the importance of Aerospace Engineering—a field that combines research, technology, and innovation.

With India’s talented and hardworking youth reaching new heights, Aerospace Engineering is emerging as a promising career path if you are passionate about a career in Science, engineering, and exploration. Let us learn more about this topic.

What is Aerospace Engineering?

Aerospace engineering is a specialised branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, testing, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft, along with their propulsion systems.

Professionals in this field focus on creating vehicles that are both strong and lightweight to ensure efficient performance in atmospheric and space environments.

Branches of Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineering is a broad discipline consisting of several specialised branches. We have summarised all the details you need to know about aerospace engineering branches:

Debunking Myths About Aerospace Engineering

The field of Aerospace Engineering is often shrouded in myths that can make the discipline appear intimidating, narrow, or even outdated.

Here are some common myths and facts associated with this engineering field:

Myth: Aerospace Engineering field is relatively new and underdeveloped.

Fact: The term Aerospace Engineering was introduced in 1958, according to an Engineering journal article by Stanzione Kaydon Al 1989.

Coincidentally, NASA came into existence in this same year. Thus, this year marked a new era for the aviation and aerospace industry.

Myth: There is not much demand for aerospace engineers.

Fact: Aerospace engineering professionals are in great demand across the world.

With commercial air travel and space applications advancing rapidly, the world needs skilled engineers to design, build and maintain these advanced systems.

Myth: Aerospace Engineering and Avionics Engineering are one and the same.

Fact: Aerospace Engineering and Avionics Engineering are separate engineering disciplines.

Aerospace Engineering involves designing, building, and testing all types of aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.

Avionics Engineering deals with the electronic equipment used in aircraft, artificial satellites, and spacecraft.

Myth: Aerospace Engineering is not as thrilling as other engineering fields.

Fact: Now it’s a more exciting time than ever to enter the aerospace industry. The industry is investing a lot in creating artificially intelligent aircraft, autonomous flight and robotics.

The sector is also addressing the issues of climate change by developing sustainable fuels, green aircraft, and eco-friendly materials to reduce carbon emissions.

Aerospace Engineering: Key Components

Aerospace Engineering is about designing and building vehicles that can fly around the Earth or in outer space. It also involves testing them to make sure they work properly and operating them when they are ready.

Most companies that make these vehicles have teams that work on different parts of the job. These teams work on various aspects, like how the air moves around the vehicle, what makes the vehicle move and how it is put together.

When an aircraft is flying straight, it has four forces that act on it. These forces are lift, weight, thrust and drag.

The aircraft experiences lift, which is the force that helps it go up. It also experiences weight, which is the force that pulls it down.

Then there is thrust, which is the force that moves the aircraft forward. Finally, the aircraft experiences drag, which is the force that slows it down.

Courses in Aerospace Engineering

There are several courses in Aerospace Engineering offered at different levels of education. We have summarised all details about aerospace engineering courses:

Career in Aerospace Engineering

After postgraduation and relevant work exposure, you can transition to a career in academia. You can become a teacher or trainer and teach students about aerospace engineering basics and other fundamental topics.

Besides teaching, you can also contribute towards Research and Development (R&D) initiatives with your skills and expertise towards aero engineering.

Governments are the primary clients of the aerospace industry in most countries. Several aero engineering graduates are involved in developing military aircraft and defence systems.

Aerospace engineers are also in huge demand in sectors that deal with commercial and fighter aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, and general aviation.

Some of the main employment areas are as follows:

1. Defence & Aerospace Primes: Building the platforms for modern flight, defence, and space travel.
2. Public Sector Agencies: Supporting high-level federal missions across defence and interplanetary science.
3. Private Space Ventures (like SpaceX): Driving innovation in satellite tech and reusable launch vehicles.
4. Aircraft OEMs: Manufacturing everything from commercial jets to autonomous drones.
5. Research & Academia: Developing the foundational theories and talent pipeline for the field.
6. Contract Engineering Firms: Supplying on-demand technical expertise and specialised consulting.

Final Thoughts

Aerospace engineering stands at the intersection of innovation, research, and national progress. This field offers long-term career stability and diverse opportunities across defence, space exploration, aviation, research, and academia.

Pursuing a B Tech in Aerospace Engineering from JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University) Faculty of Engineering and Technology can help you build a career in this dynamic field. Enrol now.

FAQs

Q1. What exactly do Aerospace Engineers do?

A1: Aerospace engineers plan, design, and develop aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and their associated systems. Their work spans multiple components such as airframes, propulsion units, avionics, control mechanisms, and structural systems.

Q2. How can I become an Aerospace Engineer after 12th?

A2: To become an Aerospace Engineer after 12th, you must have a background in PCM (Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics) in 10+2.

You must score 50% marks in 10+2 from a recognised board. Additionally, you must also qualify for JEE or state-specific entrance exams for engineering.

Q3. Can I join ISRO after Aerospace Engineering?

A3: Yes. You can join ISRO after Aerospace Engineering. However, you must obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or related fields.

Some positions may require a postgraduate or PhD degree. ISRO also considers GATE as a common criterion for recruitment; hence, you must qualify for the exam.

Q4. Is Aerospace Engineering hard?

A4: Yes. Aerospace Engineering is a difficult subject because you need to study aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural design. These topics require a deep understanding of physics and engineering principles.

Q5. Is JEE compulsory for Aerospace Engineering?

A5: No. JEE is not compulsory for Aerospace Engineering in India. Many colleges accept state-level or university-specific exams.

Q6. Is Aerospace a lot of Math?

A6: Yes. Studying Aerospace Engineering requires a strong foundation in Mathematics.

Key areas include calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, fluid dynamics, etc. all of which are essential for design, analysis, and problem-solving.