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Aerospace & Defence



Delve into the technological and strategic challenges of space and defence.

This major trains engineers to design, model and manage complex systems in the fields of space and security.

The Aerospace and Defence major at ESILV offers future engineers the opportunity to develop skills in flight and orbital dynamics, combustion and propulsion, as well as system design, connectivity and automation in the 4th and 5th years of the programme.

This course is offered on the Paris campus. 

 

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Aerospace and Defence

Generalist Engineer ESILV


This major aims to equip students with the knowledge necessary to understand flight techniques in the atmosphere and space, simulate multiphysical interactions with the atmosphere, study and optimise propulsion systems, develop flight and orbit control software, and master advanced digital technologies to study, design, simulate, validate and optimise existing or new systems.

TOOLS AND SOFTWARE

Digital simulation software: ANSYS Fluent, Abaqus, Matlab/Simulink.
System design and integration : CATIA, Solidworks, Systems Tool Kit (STK), Altair.
Immersive Experiences :flight simulators, augmented reality and virtual reality.
Space governance and defence platforms : strategic modeling and system security tools.

Courses

  • Advanced probability, modelling and risk analysis
  • Machine learning and data science
  • Product lifecycle management (PLM) and data protection
  • Orbital mechanics, propulsion and flight systems
  • Space structures and systems
  • Electronics, IT and embedded systems
  • Space communications and cybersecurity
  • Numerical modelling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
  • Robotics, drones and immersive technologies
  • Mission design and simulation (STK)
  • Defence and project management in the space sector
  • Regulation, ethics and operational safety

Skills

  • Design and simulate space systems (launchers, satellites, complete missions)
  • Analyse and digitally model structural mechanics and orbital dynamics
  • Master on-board systems: electronics, IT and attitude control
  • Manage strategic projects in the space and defence sectors
  • Understand the challenges of space governance and security (regulation, resilience, protection of critical infrastructure)


Careers

Civil or military space engineer, Propulsion and launch vehicle engineer, Space governance and safety engineer, Embedded systems engineer, Complex systems project manager, Robotics and autonomous systems engineer.

#Space
#Defence
#Simulation
#SpaceGovernance
#Innovation




Programme overview

Aerospace and Defence Major

FLUID FLIGHT AND ORBITAL DYNAMICS
Atmosphere and space
Orbital mechanics
Computational fluid dynamics (laminar and turbulent)
Attitude control systems
PROPULSION
Aircraft propulsion
Rocket propulsion
Space propulsion

SYSTEM DESIGN, CONNECTIVITY, AUTOMATION
Embedded electronics and computing, augmented and virtual reality
Communications
Flight system design
Defence
RELATION WITH SOCIETY
Security
Regulations, European Standardisation Certification
Space ethics, Space policy and economics

 




Examples of Aerospace and Defence projects

Student projects

Students participate in practical and innovative projects in collaboration with partners such as École Polytechnique and ENSAM, as well as the De Vinci LeoFly student association.

Exemples de projets :

  • Nanosatellites: Design, simulation, creation and launch of a 6U CubeSat with electric propulsion.
  • Weather balloons: Diagnosis and measurement of global electric fields in the upper atmosphere.
  • Rockets: Design, simulation, creation and launch of a 2-stage MiniX-Rocket.
  • AR/VR for docking: Development of vision-based navigation algorithms for a modular, reusable spacecraft.



Aviation & space news

REXUS programme: LéoFly and the STAR-D project pre-selected by the ESA 24 November 2025 LéoFly, the aeronautics and space association of the Léonard de Vinci cluster, is leading a scientific project that has been… Lire la suite →
The 5 Technologies Redefining Sustainable Aerospace in 2025 13 November 2025 Aerospace is entering its green revolution. From hydrogen propulsion to AI-driven aircraft design, engineers are reshaping the skies. As the… Lire la suite →
ESA and ESILV: a strategic partnership to develop space technologies in Europe 21 July 2025 ESILV and the European Space Agency are embarking on an academic and scientific collaboration to strengthen European expertise in space… Lire la suite →



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