K2 Space Corporation’s Post

The Indigenous 🚀 Rocketeer In what other ways did you blend Indigenous values into your engineering? To me, an Indigenous perspective is one that is based in intentionality and community, especially when considering space-flight applications. So, for example, I built the rocket with respect and with a purpose that was rooted in the concept of furthering my team’s understanding of flight principle so that we could become more skilled engineers. That meant taking the time to consider alternatives, and to include everyone’s opinion in technical design choices. I wanted to allow the younger members to make mistakes, as long as we were all learning. Efficiency was inherent in our design: we minimized the material used, and our rocket was low weight. Such efficiency is a feature of care and avoiding excess — key Indigenous principles

As the Fall 2023 semester wraps up, preparations begin for Spring 2024. I will be teaching an introductory course to #systemsengineering (SIE 250) for our sophomore students at the University of Arizona. I am VERY excited about this one! I hope to share updates as the next semester unfolds. But for now, things that will come to the classroom: - the LEGO Group Mindstorms --> We go for #handsonlearning to achieve awareness of the importance of systems engineering. Getting 'scars' in a safe environment. - Our #digitalengineering factory --> From ideas to models, from models to hardware, and then back to models. Full lifecycle in an #mbse environment, leveraging work in collaboration with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory More to come...

A rotating detonation rocket engine, or RDRE, is an advanced rocket engine design that could significantly change how future propulsion systems are built...and a NASA intern designed, built, and tested it. Dalton Luedke, an aerospace engineering student at Georgia Tech, recently completed his internship with the advanced liquid propulsion team at #NASAMarshall, where he led the design and testing of the sub-scale engine known as MARLEN (maturation of additive really little engines) that enabled Marshall engineers to assess how different designs impact combustor performance metrics. READ MORE >> https://lnkd.in/gfrSpUVi

🚀 Thrilled to announce my successful completion of the Rocket MasterClass by STAR {Space Technology and Aeronautical Rocketry}! 🌌 This immersive course was an incredible journey into the captivating realms of space, rocketry, and aerospace exploration. 🛰️ Throughout this masterclass, I delved into a multitude of subjects, expanding my understanding of space technology and aeronautical rocketry. 🌠 The curriculum covered diverse topics, from the fundamentals of rocket propulsion to advanced concepts in aerospace engineering. 🌟 Learning from industry experts and enthusiasts in the field was a stellar experience. Their insights, combined with interactive sessions and hands-on activities, enriched my knowledge base. 📚 🔭 The course opened doors to a universe of new concepts and methodologies, providing insights into spacecraft design, orbital mechanics, and the intricacies of launching missions into space. 🌍 🌌 Understanding the complexities of space and rocket technology ignited my passion for aerospace exploration. It was more than just theoretical learning; it was about envisioning the future of space travel and exploration. 🌟 🚀 The knowledge gained from this MasterClass has equipped me with a deeper understanding of rocketry principles, enabling me to comprehend the engineering marvels behind space missions and spacecraft. 🛸 Completing the Rocket MasterClass has not only broadened my horizons but has also sparked a desire to contribute to the ever-evolving field of space exploration and aerospace innovation. 🌌 🌟 Grateful to STAR for providing this exceptional learning opportunity that has fueled my passion for space, rocketry, and aerospace. 🙏 In summary, the Rocket MasterClass was an eye-opening experience that enhanced my understanding of space technology, rocketry, and aerospace engineering, paving the way for future exploration and innovation. 🚀✨ #Space #Rocketry #Learning #Aerospace 🌠

It's literally rocket science! Mechanical engineering major Vincent Csercsevits ’25 spent his summer in Florida as part of a competitive research program to improve the structure of hypersonic vehicles, such as spacecrafts, satellites & rockets, which could influence future manned & unmanned space missions. The program — Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Advanced Technologies for Hypersonic, Propulsive, Energetic, and Reusable platforms (HYPER) — is jointly-funded by the United States Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Vinny credits the support from Widener faculty and his previous co-op for preparing him for the program. And the experience has unlocked a career interest with the likes of NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration or SpaceX. “Before doing this summer research experience, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I’ve been trying to narrow it down, and this has opened me up to aerospace engineering. I had never worked with anything like this before.” ~ Vinny Discover Vinny's path on the Widener Inside Track... #WidenerUniversity #MechanicalEngineering #engineering #aerospace #AerospaceEngineering #rocket #hypersonics #StudentResearch #SummerResearch

Welcome to Make to Innovate! We are excited to have students join us again for our hands-on learning class. This Fall 2023 semester, we have fourteen projects to Make to Innovate. We have two new projects joining us this semester, RASC-AL (NASA rover competition) and VIMANN (electrification of general aviation aircraft). Make to Innovate brings in students from all disciplines, and we are open to all students on campus. On Wednesday, August 23rd, we will hold the Make to Innovate Open House. In previous semesters, this has been our kick-off meeting. However, this year we decided to try something new and shift the focus to the students and our projects in the program. Our Open House will begin with a short introduction by Professor Nelson, followed by an introduction about how Make to Innovate fits with the Entrepreneurial Minor (AerE 494 counts as a tech elective for that minor). The rest of the time will be for students to meet all of the projects in Make to Innovate, and both Professor Nelson and Christine Nelson will be around to answer any questions. We will also have the lab open so students can see our wonderful lab space. Below please see a listing of the projects we will have this semester and please share the flyer with anyone who might be interested. ARES - Service team that aims to launch payloads using rockets for experimentation and scientific study. Boeing Experimental Flight - Testing modifications to a Boeing 737 aircraft to improve efficiency and prepare for electrification. CyLaunch_M2I - NASA Student Launch Initiative competition team CySaR - Robotic Search and Rescue vehicle CySat - Iowa State University's first Cubesat set to be launched in 2024! Design Build Fly - AIAA DBF competition team FlyHy - Use of Hydrogen Fuel Cells to power an electric aircraft HABET - High Altitude Balloon Experiments in Technology that will be launching high altitude balloons during both solar eclipses! MAVRIC - University Rover Competition team that builds a Mars rover for URC. Micro-G - Competition team that competes in NASA's Micro-G competition that works on building tools for astronauts RASC-AL - Competition team that will compete in NASA's RASC-AL competition Space Co - Research team working on cold welding for space applications Stellar - Research team working on building a liquid propulsion system VIMANN - Research team looking at electrification in General Aviation aircraft

#smallbets are all about venturing into the unknown, trying new things, and welcoming the unexpected. It’s the deliberate embrace of uncertainty, a dance with randomness, and a welcoming of serendipity. They are also things that break the monotony of regular life. I’m excited about the upcoming NASA Space Apps challenge this weekend, as a group of us come together to dabble in producing an experience to get "Immersed in the Sounds of Space" - https://lnkd.in/gDamkVsc The challenge is to design a method to create sonifications of 3D NASA space datasets to provide a different perceptual path that can help us understand and appreciate the wonders of the universe. So the group comprises an Aerospace engineer, who's now a robotics programmer, a Sound Engineer, and a couple of electronics and mechanical engineering grads. What I'll bring to the table is the storytelling. How this may turn out or what this may open up, who knows? But it's the joy in trying something new, learning and taking that small bet that I’m here for. #NASASpaceAppsChallenge #SmallBets #DiversityInTech #Joy

The third annual #NASA #TechRise #Prizecompetition is now open for experiment ideas for a high-altitude balloon or rocket-powered lander test flight! Sixty winning teams will be selected to turn their proposed experiment ideas into reality. Winners will receive $1,500 to build their experiments, a 3D printed flight box in which to build it, and an assigned spot for their payload on a NASA-sponsored flight test. Experiment ideas must be submitted no later than October 20, 2023. This has been such an incredible experience for middle and high school students across the country—I encourage you to spread the word far and wide! Let’s reach every state and territory this year! TechRise is open to students in grades six to 12 attending U.S. public, private, or charter schools – including those in U.S. territories. It offers participants hands-on insight into the #payload #design and #suborbital #flighttest process, with the goal of inspiring a deeper understanding of space exploration, Earth observation, coding, electronics, and the value of test data. “NASA’s TechRise Student Challenge is one of the many exciting ways we’re engaging with the #Artemis Generation,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “The process of designing flight experiment proposals encourages students to think big and realize that their talents and #creativity will be key in the future of humanity’s exploration.” Managed by NASA’s Flight Opportunities program in the Space Technology mission directorate and administered by Future Engineers, the challenge invites teams of four or more students, under the guidance of an #educator, to design #science and #technology experiments for suborbital flight. #STEM

If you go back in time to September, you will remember that we kicked off a programme with the #NVIS New Voices in Space working group with SSERCOFFICIAL  and Skills Development Scotland and Space Scotland and UK Space Agency Well we are getting some feedback from the schools already: "I've enjoyed going into the detail of how a satellite works and the information it can gather." "I have learned about the different career paths available when working with satellites." "I have enjoyed seeing how physics is applied outside of school." "I found it interesting discovering how the data gathered by sensors can be used in different ways." "I really enjoyed learning how to use a soldering iron." "I'm looking forward to programming the satellite as it's not something we normally do in school." "I'm looking forward to constructing my own." What is coming across in all the responses is that they love soldering (even the very limited amount we have done so far). They like having ownership of their satellite, the fact that it will be their own work and choices will help create a unique end product. As a small school we can't offer the opportunities that larger schools can so many are looking forward to programming as it isn't something they would normally get to experience in school. It's a wonderful feeling hear this kind of feedback and absolutely makes the efforts worthwhile. #Spaceflight #ScottishSpaceSector #SpaceTechnology #SkillsDevelopment #inspiringthenextgeneration #stemeducation #stem #space #spaceexploration

It's #WorldSpaceWeek! Space exploration is a fun topic in STEM for school-aged children. Students who engage in #STEM learning can develop an interest in pursuing an #engineering career path. Learn more about World #Space Week and #IEEE TryEngineering related activities: https://bit.ly/48LOVKp