Aeronautics & Astronautics
The Aeronautics & Astronautics department performs research dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art disciplines, systems and design.
We focus on analysis methods needed to further our nation’s aerospace enterprise, and to educate our students to be lifetime learners, entrepreneurs, achievers and leaders.
![Two students looking at a computer monitor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/engineering.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/media/image/aa_research.png?itok=0CkXRkmh)
We specialize in high-risk research that leads to disruptive technologies. Our current strategic thrusts focus on autonomous systems, cyber safety for transportation, future aircraft design and distributed space systems.
![Woman holding laptop and reaching for cylinder in lab](https://cdn.statically.io/img/engineering.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/media/image/aero-astro_undergrad_block.png?itok=yIoPM_U2)
Launched in fall 2017, Aeronautics and Astronautics now offers an undergraduate program.
![Drone hovering in front of two students in lab](https://cdn.statically.io/img/engineering.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/media/image/aero-astro_grad_block.png?itok=VTXrr5sq)
What is it like for graduate students?
The department graduates 11 percent of the nation’s PhDs in aeronautics and astronautics. We recruit from a large and exceptionally strong pool of applicants with diverse backgrounds, including physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and, of course, aerospace engineering.