MARIST UNIVERSITY OF GUADALAJARA

MARISTS
UNIVERSIDADM
A RISTADE
GUADALAJARA

Aerospace Engineering: Driving Exploration and Innovation

Pablo Marquez GonzalezMoses

Gerardo Cruz
TapiaPablo Samuel Flores Mora

October, 2023

1
INDEX
MARISTS...................................................................................................................................1
INDEX.....................................................................................................................................2
Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
History of Aerospace Engineering.......................................................................................2
Fundamental principles of aerospace engineering...............................................................3
Aircraft Development..........................................................................................................4
Space exploration.................................................................................................................6
Conclusions and future perspectives....................................................................................8
Bibliographic reference........................................................................................................9

Introduction
Aerospace engineering, a field that combines imagination and technical precision, has
long been the backbone of exploration and innovation in the modern world. From the moment
the Wright brothers made the first controlled flight in 1903 to today's exciting projects to
colonize Mars, aerospace engineering has been at the forefront of technological evolution
and has transformed the way we live and understand the world around us. The purpose of
this article is to delve into the fascinating world of aerospace engineering, breaking down its
historical achievements, the fundamental principles that drive it, and the exciting possibilities
that the future holds. As we explore this multidisciplinary field, we will see how aerospace
engineering has become a catalyst for the advancement of humanity. From its humble
beginnings with the Wright brothers' flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, aerospace
engineering has come a long way. This field has evolved through decades of research and
development, fueled by an insatiable human curiosity and the quest to push the boundaries
of what is possible. In World War II, aerospace engineering played a crucial role in military
aviation, leading to the creation of advanced fighter aircraft and strategic bombers that
changed the course of the war. After the war, this experience in aerospace technology
translated into rapid advancement in commercial aviation, enabling safer and more efficient
flights around the world. However, the real revolution would come with the space age. In
1957, the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union marked the beginning of space exploration
and the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Aerospace engineering
became the driving force behind iconic missions such as Apollo 11, which landed the first
human on the Moon in 1969. This monumental achievement not only demonstrated human
ingenuity, but also inspired future generations of engineers and scientists to pursue their
dreams in space. Today, aerospace engineering is essential for the exploration and
sustainable use of outer space. From the International Space Station to exploration missions
to Mars and beyond, this discipline has allowed humanity to reach places that previously only
existed in science fiction. In addition, aerospace engineering has influenced other fields, such
as medicine, communication and meteorology, by providing technologies and systems that
improve our quality of life and safety.
History of Aerospace Engineering
The first traces of aerospace engineering date back to ancient China, where in the 4th
century BC, kites were used as devices to measure wind direction and speed. Over the
centuries, cultures around the world continued to experiment with lighter-than-air flight, such
as hot air balloons and gliders. However, it was in the 20th century that aerospace

Rover: space exploration vehicle designed to move on the surface of a planet

Telemetry: technique by which data is collected from both the climate and plants
remote power generation.
engineering took a quantum leap into the future. One of the most significant events in the
early history of aerospace engineering was the successful flight of the Wright brothers in
1903. Orville and Wilbur Wright designed and built the Flyer, an aircraft that successfully took
off and landed at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, marking the first powered, controlled flight in
history. This pioneering milestone in aviation marked the beginning of the era of modern
aerospace engineering. During World War I, aerospace engineering focused on the
manufacture of fighter and bomber aircraft. Improvements in the speed, range and
maneuverability of these aircraft turned the tide of war and led to a boom in the civil aviation
industry in the 1920s. However, the real turning point came during and after World War II.
Technological advances in military aviation led to the development of jet aircraft and
eventually commercial aviation in the 1950s. Additionally, space exploration became a
priority in the Cold War, leading to the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 and NASA's Apollo
program in the 1960s. On July 20, 1969, aerospace engineering reached one of its most
iconic moments when Apollo 11 landed on the Moon, allowing Neil Armstrong and Buzz
Aldrin to become the first humans to walk on its surface. This monumental feat was made
possible by decades of research and development in rocket technology, space navigation
and life support systems. Today, aerospace engineering continues to evolve by leaps and
bounds. From the exploration of distant planets to the development of reusable rocket
technology, this field remains critical to the exploration of space and the progress of
civilization. As we move into the 21st century, aerospace engineering continues to challenge
the limits of human imagination and take us to new horizons in the sky and beyond.
Fundamental principles of aerospace engineering
Aerodynamics: Aerodynamics is the study of the behavior of fluids, particularly air, around
moving objects. In aerospace engineering, understanding the principles of aerodynamics is
essential to designing efficient wings and control surfaces. Airfoils are optimized to minimize
drag and maximize lift, allowing aircraft to maintain flight. This includes the theory of wing
profiles, the study of turbulence and high-speed aerodynamics.

Propulsion: Propulsion is the generation of force to move an aircraft or spacecraft. In

aerospace engineering, this involves engines that can be either reactive, such as the jet
engines in airplanes, or rockets, such as those used in space launches. Designing efficient
and reliable propulsion systems is crucial as it affects the speed, maneuverability and
efficiency of the aircraft or spacecraft.

Structure: Structure refers to the design and construction of the physical parts of an
aircraft or spacecraft, including the fuselage, wings, support systems, and other components.
Structural engineering in aerospace must ensure that structures are strong enough to
withstand the aerodynamic, gravitational and vibration forces to which they are subjected. In

Rover: space exploration vehicle designed to move on the surface of a planet

Telemetry: technique by which data is collected from both the climate and plants
remote power generation.
addition, a balance between strength and weight is sought to ensure safe and efficient flight.

Electronics and Avionics: Electronics and avionics play a critical role in the operation of
aircraft and spacecraft. This includes navigation systems, communication, flight control,
sensors and more. Aerospace engineering must ensure that these systems are reliable and
resistant to the extreme conditions of space and the Earth's atmosphere.

Flight Dynamics and Control: Flight dynamics focuses on the study of the movements and
behaviors of an aircraft in the air or space. Flight control principles are essential to
maintaining aircraft stability and control. Aerospace engineers design control systems that
allow aircraft or spacecraft to be maneuvered and adjusted as needed.

Advanced Materials: Selecting the right materials is vital in aerospace engineering.

Advanced materials, such as titanium alloys and composites, are used to build lighter and
stronger structures. Constant research into new materials contributes to improving efficiency
and safety in aerospace.

Safety and Reliability: In aerospace engineering, safety and reliability are of paramount
importance. Engineers must carefully consider backup systems and safety protocols to
ensure that aircraft and spacecraft can successfully deal with unforeseen situations and
emergencies. The combination of these fundamental principles, along with interdisciplinary
collaboration of experts in different fields, is what makes it possible for aerospace
engineering to continue advancing and achieving extraordinary milestones in exploration and
innovation. These principles are the foundation upon which the machines that allow us to
explore the skies and space are built.
Aircraft Development
Aircraft development is a dynamic field that has undergone impressive evolution over the
years. Beginning with the Wright brothers' first flights, aerospace engineering has
transformed the way we travel and revolutionized the transportation industry. The aircraft
development process involves a series of crucial steps. First, it starts with the conception and
design of the aircraft. This involves identifying specific aircraft objectives, such as speed,
range and payload capacity. Aerospace engineers use principles of aerodynamics to design
wings and control surfaces that enable stable and efficient flight. Once the conceptual design
is complete, the development and construction phase begins. This involves selecting
appropriate materials, such as aluminium alloys or composite materials, that are both light
and strong. Advances in materials technology have enabled the creation of more efficient and
safer aircraft. Propulsion is another fundamental aspect in aircraft development. Jet engines,
such as turbofans, are used in commercial aircraft because of their fuel efficiency. On the
other hand, military aircraft often employ more powerful jet engines to achieve high speeds
and maneuverability. Advances in electronics and avionics have been vital in the
Rover: space exploration vehicle designed to move on the surface of a planet
Telemetry: technique by which data is collected from both the climate and plants
remote power generation.
development of aircraft. Satellite navigation systems, such as GPS, enable precise
navigation and communication on commercial and military flights. In addition, flight control
systems and on-board computers ensure stable and safe flight. Safety and reliability are key
concerns in aircraft development. Rigorous testing and simulations are conducted to ensure
that aircraft meet the most stringent safety standards. Backup systems and safety protocols
are incorporated to address potential emergency situations. Iconic examples of aircraft
development include the Boeing 747, which revolutionized long-distance commercial flight,
and the F-22 Raptor fighter, which is an example of excellence in military aircraft design. In
short, aircraft development is a multidisciplinary field that combines aerodynamics,
propulsion, structure and electronics to create advanced flying machines. As technology
continues to advance, we can expect the aircraft of the future to be even more efficient, safe
and sustainable, promising an exciting future for aerospace engineering.

Rover: space exploration vehicle designed to move on the surface of a planet

Telemetry: technique by which data is collected from both the climate and plants
remote power generation.
 (•A.M)
-O-Average age

Space exploration
Space exploration has captured humanity's imagination for decades and has led to a
number of amazing achievements. Beginning with the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet
Union in 1957, space exploration has advanced rapidly in a variety of directions. One of the
fundamental principles of space exploration is the use of rockets to overcome Earth's gravity
and reach space. Rockets use Newton's third law (action and reaction) to generate
propulsion by expelling gases at high speed. From liquid-fueled rockets to modern reusable
rockets, propulsion is essential to getting spacecraft beyond our atmosphere. Space missions
also rely on precise navigation and telemetry. Satellite navigation systems, such as GPS,
allow spacecraft to accurately calculate their position in space. Telemetry provides vital data
on the status of the spacecraft and its environment, allowing engineers to monitor and control
missions remotely. One of the most notable milestones in space exploration was the landing
of Apollo 11 on the Moon in 1969. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans
to walk on the lunar surface, an achievement that captured the attention of the entire world.
This landmark achievement was made possible by decades of development in rocket
technology, life support systems and space navigation. Space exploration has also included
robotic missions that have visited distant planets and celestial bodies. The Voyager probes,
for example, have traveled beyond our solar system and continue to transmit valuable data
about interstellar space. The exploration of Mars with rovers such as Curiosity and
Perseverance has shed light on the possibility of life on the Red Planet. Today, space
exploration continues to advance with exploration of distant planets such as Jupiter and
Saturn, and ambitious projects such as the future colonization of Mars. International
collaboration, scientific research and cutting-edge engineering are paving the way for an
exciting future in space exploration. In short, space exploration is an exciting field of
aerospace engineering that seeks to answer some of the deepest questions about the
universe and our place in it. The fundamental principles of propulsion, navigation and

Rover: space exploration vehicle designed to move on the surface of a planet

Telemetry: technique by which data is collected from both the climate and plants
remote power generation.
telemetry are crucial to the success of these missions, and the historic and future
achievements of space exploration continue to inspire generations to come to explore the
unknown.

Rover: space exploration vehicle designed to move on the surface of a planet

Telemetry: technique by which data is collected from both the climate and plants
remote power generation.
Future Lunar Robotic Missions
Mission Agencies/Launch Date Objectives/Strategic Knowledge Gaps Addressed
Chandrayaan-2 ISRO/2018 Polar scientific orbiter, lander, and rover.

Chang'E-4 CNSA/2018 Far side scientific lander and rover. Communications relay satellite.

Chang'E-5 CNSA/2019 Near side sample return.

KPLO KARI/2020 Polar scientific orbiter.

Luna25/Luna Glob Roscosmos/2020 Lunar volatile prospecting. Soft landing technology demonstration.

SLIM JAXA/2020 Technology demonstration.

Polar Sample Return CNSA/around 2020 Polar volatiles sample return.

Roscosmos/2022 Polar scientific orbiter. Polar volatiles mapping.
Moon 26/Moon-Resurrection
Orbiter
NASA/early 2020's Polar science, volatile prospecting and acquisition. Drill technology demonstration.
Resource Prospecting Mission

JAXA's Resource Prospector JAXA/early 2020's Polar lander and rover. Polar science and volatile prospecting
Roscosmos, with ESA/2023 Polar science, volatile prospecting and acquisition. Drill technology demonstration.
Luna 27/Luna-Resurs Lander

ISRU Demo ESA/2025 ISRU technology demonstration.

Korea Lunar Lander KARI Technology demonstration.

Luna 28/Grunt Moon Roscosmos Cryogenic polar volatiles sample return.

Conclusions and future perspectives

In conclusion, aerospace engineering is a constantly evolving discipline that has proven to
be essential to the advancement of modern society. Throughout this article, we have
explored the fundamental principles that underpin aerospace engineering, from
aerodynamics and propulsion to structure and electronics. We have examined how these
principles apply in the development of aircraft and in the exciting exploration of space. The
history of aerospace engineering has taken us from the humble beginnings of aviation with
the Wright brothers to iconic moments in space exploration, such as the Apollo 11 landing on
the Moon. These historic achievements have demonstrated the ability of aerospace
engineering to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and meet ambitious goals.
However, the story is just the beginning. The future of aerospace engineering is promising
and full of exciting possibilities. As we move into the 21st century, we can look forward to
several key perspectives:

Mars Colonization: Exploration of Mars is a growing priority. Missions such as the

Perseverance rover and the future colonization of the red planet represent an important step
in the search for a second home for humanity.

Commercial Space Travel: Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are
opening up new opportunities in commercial space travel. In the near future, civilians may
have the opportunity to travel to space.

Advanced Scientific Research: Space exploration remains a source of fundamental

knowledge about the universe. Missions to distant planets, asteroids and beyond will provide
us with crucial information about the formation and evolution of the cosmos.

Advanced Flight Technology: Aerospace engineering will continue to improve aircraft

efficiency and sustainability, which could lead to significant advances in civil aviation and

Rover: space exploration vehicle designed to move on the surface of a planet

Telemetry: technique by which data is collected from both the climate and plants
remote power generation.
reduced carbon emissions.

Exploration of Moons and Asteroids: In addition to Mars, moons of giant planets and
asteroids are future exploration targets. These missions will provide us with information about
the composition of these bodies and their importance in the history of the solar system.

Ultimately, aerospace engineering will continue to be a driving force for exploration and
innovation. As we continue to push the limits of gravity and explore outer space, aerospace
engineering will be crucial in finding answers to some of the fundamental questions about our
place in the universe.

This exciting, multidisciplinary field offers us a future full of exciting discoveries and
possibilities.
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Ingeniero-aeroespacial

Rover: space exploration vehicle designed to move on the surface of a planet

Telemetry: technique by which data is collected from both the climate and plants
remote power generation.