Aeronautical and space history

Objectives

Presentation of the major milestones in the history of aeronautics and space, and the cultural, social and economic issues involved

Skills acquired

Identify the players, machines and scientific and technological innovations in the history of aeronautics and space
Relate industrial activities in the aeronautical field to their cultural and economic dimensions.

No

Contents

Myth of Icarus
Kite
Utopia and projects (Leonardo da Vinci)
Imitation of nature and its limits
Essor of balloons
Controversy between lighter and heavier than air
Scientific approach to gliding
First motorized heavier-than-air flights - Innovation and exploits
World War I: techniques and men
World War II: the decisive role of aircraft and innovations
Development of launchers, the conquest of space
Automatism (man/machine interface, drones)
Milestones in the development of commercial aviation
The role of the aerospace industry in the economy, the diversity of professions
Major scientific advances and innovations
Space and the extension of its civil applications (GPS, telecommunications)

Teaching method
All course materials available online on the Moodle digital platform.

Culture of aeronautics, space and defense