The origin of School of Aeronautics and Astronautics (SAA) dates back to 1930s. In 1936, a sub-department about Aeronautical Engineering was set up under the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In 1945, the Department of Aeronautical Engineering was established. Many outstanding researchers were trained, and having made contributions to the establishment of China's aviation discipline and the development of aviation technology. In 1952, after the nationwide restructuring of universities, the Department merged into the Eastern China Aeronautics Institute. In 1958, basing on the original goup of Mechanics, the major of Mechanics was established, and the Department of Mathematics and Mechanics was founded. And the Department of Mechanics became independent in 1978. The new century witnessed a rapid development of aerospace industry in China. In order to provide more aviation professionals for better contribute to scientific research in aerospace and related fields, Zhejiang University set up the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics (SAA) on 21 January, 2007.

SAA mainly focuses on two disciplines: Aerospace Science and Technology, and Mechanics. Meanwhile it is dedicated to develop interdisciplines with Electronic Science and Technology, Control Science and Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, etc. Adhering to the motto of Zhejiang University——Seeking Truth and Pursuing Innovation, SAA always sticks to the educational principle——all-round development, moral and knowledge education, seeking truth and innovation, pursuit of excellence. It is the fundamental task of SAA to train creative research talents in the fields of Aerospace, Mechanics and related fields. At the same time, it pays close attention to the development of frontier science and meets the nation's major demands, focuses on developing high-level disciplines and carries out innovative scientific research, taking responsibility of making contributions to the development of China's aerospace industry and research in related fields of mechanics.

After more than ten years of effort, SAA has achieved rapid development in discipline construction, teaching staff formation, student education and academic research, laying a solid foundation for further development.In the future, SAA will try hard to make more contributions to building a world-class university, take fundamental task to strengthen both moral and knowledge education, focus on construction of professional disciplines and teaching staff, strive to build a first-class school with distinctive features and strength.