Nanchang Hangkong University

Introduction

Aerospace engineering is the primary branch of engineering concerned with the research, design, development, construction, testing, science and technology of aircraft and spacecraft. It is divided into two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. The former deals with aircraft that operate in Earth's atmosphere, and the latter with spacecraft that operate outside it.

Aerospace engineering deals with the design, construction, and study of the science behind the forces and physical properties of aircraft, rockets, flying craft, and spacecraft. The field also covers their aerodynamic characteristics and behaviors, airfoil, control surfaces, lift, drag, and other properties.

Aeronautical engineering was the original term for the field. 

As flight technology advanced to include craft operating in outer space, the broader term "aerospace engineering" has largely replaced it in common usage.Aerospace engineering, particularly the astronautics branch, is often referred to colloquially as "rocket science",such as in popular culture.