aerospace
aerospace
Pronunciation
aerospace /ˌɛərəʊˈspeɪs/
ae /ˌɛə/
ro /rəʊ/
space /speɪs/
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: aerospace
Plural Noun: aerospaces (less common, but can refer to multiple distinct aerospace industries or sectors)
Adjective: aerospace (e.g., "aerospace industry")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
aerospace
The branch of engineering and industry concerned with the design, development, construction, operation, and navigation of aircraft and spacecraft. This encompasses both the Earth's atmosphere (aeronautics) and outer space (astronautics).
Synonyms: aviation, astronautics, aeronautics, space technology
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for the field itself)
The region of the Earth's atmosphere and outer space considered as a single entity for purposes of travel and other activities.
Synonyms: air and space, stratoscape
Antonyms: terrestrial (in contrast to the ground or earth)
Adjective
aerospace
Relating to or involved in the design, manufacture, or operation of aircraft and spacecraft.
Synonyms: aeronautical, astronautical, aviation, space-related
Antonyms: terrestrial, ground-based
Examples of Use
Books
"The aerospace industry faces unique challenges in material science, given the extreme conditions aircraft and spacecraft must endure." (From a textbook on engineering materials)
"Her fascination with flight began early, leading her to pursue a career in aerospace engineering." (From a biography of a female engineer)
Newspapers
"Local aerospace firm lands multi-million dollar contract for next-generation satellite components." ( The Daily Chronicle, June 2024)
"Experts debate the future of public-private partnerships in aerospace exploration." (The Global Times, April 2025)
Online Publications
"NASA's Artemis program represents a significant leap forward for human aerospace capabilities beyond low Earth orbit." (Space.com, July 2024)
"Investment in aerospace technology is booming, with startups exploring innovative solutions for urban air mobility." (TechCrunch, May 2025)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Film: In the movie Apollo 13, the term "aerospace" is frequently used to refer to the broader industry and technological efforts behind the mission.
Video Game: Many simulation games, such as Kerbal Space Program, allow players to design and launch rockets, deeply engaging with principles of aerospace engineering.
Television Series: Documentaries on channels like National Geographic often feature segments on "aerospace pioneers" and the history of flight.
Podcast: A popular science podcast might dedicate an episode to discussing the ethical implications of commercial aerospace travel.
General Public Discourse
"My cousin just got a job at an aerospace company, working on new jet engines." (Casual conversation)
"With all the talk about climate change, the aerospace industry is under pressure to develop more sustainable fuels." (Online forum discussion)
"Did you see that article about the new breakthroughs in aerospace materials? It's incredible what they're doing." (Water cooler conversation)
10 Famous Quotes Using Aerospace
"The biggest benefit of Apollo was the inspiration it gave to a growing generation to get into science and aerospace." (Buzz Aldrin)
"I don't know why I always liked aerospace engineering. I was in the 10th grade when I figured that's what I wanted to do." (Kalpana Chawla)
"I was interested in aerospace and flying, and the U.S. is really the best place in the world for flying." (Kalpana Chawla)
"After I finished my master's degree, I moved to a company called Aerospace Corporation, a big think tank for the U.S. Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office." (Gwynne Shotwell)
"The U.S. is looking to India as more than just a marketplace for our defense products, but as a technology, aerospace and strategic partner for our future endeavors." (Kit Bond)
"We have sectors of the economy, aerospace is a good example, where Britain's probably the second country in the world." (Vince Cable)
"Britain, however, has ended up specializing in the ones you don't see as much of: defense aerospace, making drive shafts for cars, pills and drugs, designing chips that go into 94 percent of the world's mobile phones." (Evan Davis)
"My brother's an aerospace engineer who works for Boeing, and I started thinking, 'Well, my brother works nine hours a day at his job... What if I worked nine hours a day at being an actor?'" (Brent Sexton)
"I'm always involved with the Aerospace Program and NASA and Goddard Space Flight Center." (Peter Cullen)
"If you want to work in engineering and to have an impact that's global, come work in the aerospace sector." (Dennis Muilenburg)
Etymology
The word "aerospace" is a combination of two older words: "aero" and "space."
"Aero-" comes from the Greek word "aer," meaning "air" or "atmosphere." You see this in words like "aeronautics" (the science of air travel).
"Space" refers to outer space, the vast emptiness beyond Earth's atmosphere.
So, when you put them together, "aerospace" literally means "air and space."
The word "aerospace" started being used in the United States in the mid-20th century, specifically around 1955-1959. It was coined to describe the industry and field that deals with both flight within the Earth's atmosphere (like airplanes) and travel in outer space (like rockets and satellites). Before this, you'd usually hear "aeronautics" for air travel, but as space exploration became a reality, a new word was needed to cover both areas as a single, combined field of study and industry.
The first known uses of the word, often hyphenated as "aero-space," appeared in the context of military and scientific discussions, particularly by the U.S. Air Force, who recognized that the "air" and "space" realms were not separate but rather a continuous operational environment.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Aerospace
Aerospace industry: This is the most common and fundamental phrase, referring to the sector of the economy involved in aviation and spaceflight.
Aerospace engineering: Refers to the branch of engineering that designs, develops, and maintains aircraft and spacecraft.
Aerospace technology: Encompasses the scientific and technical advancements used in the design and operation of air and space vehicles.
Aerospace giant: Used to describe a very large and influential company in the aerospace sector.
Aerospace defense: Pertains to the segment of the industry focused on military aircraft, missiles, and space-based defense systems.
To reach for the skies (or stars) in aerospace: (Lesser-known/original idiom) Implies ambitious goals and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the aerospace field.
To have an aerospace mindset: (Lesser-known/original phrase) Suggests a way of thinking that is precise, innovative, and focused on pushing technical limits, akin to the demands of the aerospace sector.
A high-flying aerospace career: (Idiom with similar effect using "high-flying" as a synonym for success in the field) Refers to a very successful and promising career in the aerospace industry.
Cleared for takeoff (in the aerospace world): (Idiom with similar effect) Signifies approval or readiness to proceed with a major project or venture within the aerospace context.
Navigating uncharted aerospace territory: (Lesser-known/original phrase) Describes exploring new and unknown areas of development or operation in air and space.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of aerospace from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
