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Research & Impact

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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. Much of the department’s research is multidisciplinary. Our faculty and students regularly partner with colleagues in other departments in the School of Engineering.

Research Areas in Aeronautics and Astronautics

Faculty members in Stanford’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics work in six major research groups that reflect the department’s focus and methodologies. We work closely with government research laboratories and industry. We specialize in high-risk research that leads to disruptive technologies. Our current strategic thrusts focus on:
 

Institutes, Labs, and Centers

Each of our faculty members runs their own successful research laboratories. The Aeronautics and Astronautics department is also home to three major interdisciplinary research centers: 

  • The Stanford Center for Position, Navigation and Time
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation
  • The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) Center of Excellence for Aeronautics and Astronautics

Learn more about our Institutes, Labs, and Centers

Stories & Voices

Learn more about Aeronautics and Astronautics from our faculty, students, alumni, and staff.

Mykel Kochenderfer
Mykel Kochenderfer
Assistant Professor, Aeronautics and Astronautics

“ It’s still completely unbelievable to me that aircraft can fly at all, and I’m saying that as an ... ”

Flora Mechentel
Flora Mechentel
PhD Candidate, Aeronautics and Astronautics

“ As a child, I loved watching planes and visiting busy airports ... ”

Research News from Aeronautics and Astronautics

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Industry Collaborations

The Industrial Affiliates program for the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics was established in 1959 to foster research collaborations between the department and the aerospace industry. The program’s annual meeting has been held, without interruptions, since the spring of 1960.