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Education

Stanford students learn flight basics through design in AA 100: Introduction to Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Research

New, portable antenna could help restore communication after disasters

Researchers from Stanford and the American University of Beirut have developed a lightweight, portable antenna that can communicate with satellites and devices on the ground, making it easier to coordinate rescue and relief efforts in disaster-prone areas.

AI makes a rendezvous in space

Uniting the complex mathematics of trajectory optimization with the powers of generative AI, aerospace engineers at Stanford hope to put self-driving spacecraft within reach.

Academics

People looking at computer screens

Why Aero/Astro at Stanford?

With a history rich with six Guggenheim Medal recipients and 14 living members of the National Academy of Engineering, our faculty and emeriti faculty continue to be among the most highly decorated in the world. However, it is because of our amazingly talented students that we continue to be ranked among the top of all aerospace engineering departments in the nation.

Major in Aero/Astro

Stanford undergraduates may declare a Major in Aeronautics and Astronautics leading to the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics. The principal purpose of this degree is to prepare students who are strongly interested in aerospace for careers in the field.

Our People

Debbie Senesky
Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, of Electrical Engineering and Senior Fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy

“ I tell students, you made it. You belong. ... ”

Michael Kwara
PhD, Aeronautics and Astronautics

“ I joined thousands of people on a beach for a socially distanced rocket launch watch party. ... ”

Guillem Casadesús Vila
MS 2024, Aeronautics and Astronautics

“ When I was around 14, NASA landed the Curiosity rover on Mars and it was an aha moment for me. ... ”

Research Areas

Stanford’s Aeronautics and Astronautics department addresses a broad range of technologies to develop systems, design, and analysis methods to further our nation’s aerospace enterprise and improve society. 

Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics at Stanford University.  Our dual mission focuses on the education of future aerospace engineering leaders and on aerospace research with societal impact.  We are proud of our culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and the exceptional achievements of our students, alumni, and faculty in industry, government, and academia.

Professor and Chair, Juan J. Alonso

Make a Gift

We welcome any gift we can use to further the teaching and research mission of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Every dollar contributed to the department has an impact.

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