Ask a Rocket Scientist

Have you ever wondered what an aileron does or what a winglet is? Do you wish you knew more about the history of aviation? Have you heard the term "transonic" and wondered what it meant? Do you wonder how a rocket engine works? Are you curious about why different planes look the way they do? The field of aviation is full of confusing technical jargon, complex design tradeoffs, and a world of other mysteries. We here at Aerospaceweb.org would like to help. Each week, our staff of "rocket scientists" chooses a question or two, as asked by our visitors, to be answered on this site. Questions about aircraft, spacecraft, or any other aspect of aerospace engineering can be submitted here.