Aeronautics (from the ancient Greek words ὰήρ āēr, which means "air", and ναυτική Nautilus which means "navigation", i.e. "navigation of the air") is the science or art involved with the study, design, and manufacturing of air flight-capable machines, and the techniques of operating aircraft and rocketry within the atmosphere. While the term—literally meaning "sailing the air"—originally referred solely to the science of operating the aircraft, it has since been expanded to include technology, business and other aspects related to aircraft.[1] The term "aviation" is sometimes used interchangeably with aeronautics, although "aeronautics" includes lighter-than-air craft such as airships, and includes ballistic vehicles while "aviation" technically does not.[1]
A significant part of aeronautical science is a branch of dynamics called aerodynamics, which deals with the motion of air and the way that it interacts with objects in motion, such as an aircraft.
