Aerospace refers to both the atmosphere surrounding Earth and the space beyond it, as well as the science and industry of building vehicles that travel through these regions. When you look up at an airplane crossing the sky or watch a rocket launching toward the stars, you're seeing aerospace technology in action.

Aerospace engineers design everything from commercial jets that carry passengers across continents to spacecraft that explore Mars. They solve problems like how to make a vehicle light enough to fly but strong enough to withstand incredible forces, and how to protect astronauts from the extreme temperatures and radiation of space.

The aerospace industry includes companies that build aircraft, satellites, rockets, and space stations. Some work on military jets that can break the sound barrier, while others develop space telescopes that peer billions of light-years into the universe. When astronauts traveled to the Moon or when rovers landed on Mars, aerospace technology made those journeys possible. Today's aerospace engineers are working on reusable rockets, hypersonic aircraft, and missions to explore asteroids and distant planets.