Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering News

The project focuses on rotating detonation rocket engines, which use high-energy explosions to produce more energy with less fuel, improving engine efficiency and cutting down space travel costs and emissions.

Using resources found in space to construct off-world structures can drastically reduce the need to transport building materials for programs like Artemis.

The work will have applications in hydrogen-based turbines for electricity production, space travel and storage and transportation of hydrogen.

Ryan Ketzner ’22 is one of about 65 graduate students across the U.S. who show significant potential to contribute to NASA’s goal of creating innovative space technologies.

The awards are in recognition of her contributions to the field of research.

Through the M-STAR program, engineering and biomedical sciences students conducted research at NASA’s Langley, Johnson and Kennedy space centers.

Samir Ali is UCF’s third student to earn the honor, which focuses on socially directed science and technology.

The new funding will support projects that range from advancing hypersonic propulsion to improving semiconductor performance.

Two UCF alums will play a major — albeit painstakingly slow — role in moving the NASA’s historic Space Launch System with Orion spaceship over land before it launches from Earth.