Aerospace Engineering is a multidisciplinary field that involves the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. It encompasses both Aeronautical Engineering (focused on atmospheric flight) and Astronautical Engineering (focused on space travel). Aerospace engineers work on propulsion systems, aerodynamics, materials, and avionics to enhance performance, efficiency, and safety in aviation and space exploration.
Aeronautical Engineering, a subset of Aerospace Engineering, focuses solely on aircraft that operate within Earth's atmosphere, such as commercial jets, military aircraft, and helicopters. It emphasizes aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion, and structural design, ensuring optimal performance and safety in air travel. The key difference is that Aerospace Engineering extends beyond the atmosphere, involving spacecraft and orbital mechanics. While Aeronautical Engineers primarily work with aircraft manufacturers and airlines, Aerospace Engineers may work in both aviation and space industries, including organizations like NASA, ISRO, and SpaceX.