Originated in 1972 as the Division of Aeronautics in the Mechanical Engineering Department, the Department of Aeronautics was established in the fall of 1976. In 1983, in response to the demand of an independent aeronautical and astronautical industry to ensure the national security, the Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics was established to promote the extensive graduate education and research in aeronautics and astronautics and in related fields in this country. In 1985, the Department and the Institute were merged for a more efficient integration of teaching, research and administration and were renamed as the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. In 2005, in response to the manpower need in the civil aviation industry, the Institute of Civil Aviation was established within the Department.