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Articles 511 - 540 of 195903

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Ai-Driven Scheduling Algorithms For Private Aviation, Tayan Benson, Jessica Buskey, Gabriel Camacho, Caitlyn A. Gabrinowitz Aug 2026

Ai-Driven Scheduling Algorithms For Private Aviation, Tayan Benson, Jessica Buskey, Gabriel Camacho, Caitlyn A. Gabrinowitz

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Private aviation scheduling is complex and dynamic, requiring frequent aircraft repositioning based on demand and operational constraints, unlike fixed commercial airline schedules. As fleets grow beyond 300 aircraft, traditional deterministic methods become too slow, leading to the use of approaches such as genetic algorithms, but neural network-based methods have not seen in-depth exploration. This project models aircraft scheduling as a network, where airports and flights form a graph. It explores advanced AI methods, including graph neural networks and spatio-temporal graph neural networks (STGNNs), to capture both network structure and time constraints. The goal is to generate efficient daily schedules from …

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Evaluation Of Orbit And Mission Design Parameters Considered In Real Space Missions, Enrique Alejandro Amaya Villegas Aug 2026

Evaluation Of Orbit And Mission Design Parameters Considered In Real Space Missions, Enrique Alejandro Amaya Villegas

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Orbit and mission design constitute a fundamental spacecraft subsystem, as the selected orbital regime and mission profile strongly influence power availability, communications geometry, propulsion requirements, and overall mission performance. This project investigates how key quantitative and qualitative parameters guide orbit and mission design decisions in real space missions, with particular emphasis on orbital altitude and inclination, ground coverage and revisit time, mission lifetime, launch vehicle performance constraints, and propulsion budgets. The primary objective is to develop a structured understanding of how high-level scientific or commercial objectives, together with cost, risk, and operational constraints, are translated into specific orbital architectures and …

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Project Chimaera: Development Of A Tessellated Tetrahedral Truss Structure For Adaptive Multi-Regime Morphing Wing Technology, Evan Meyer, Eric Rodarte, Maximo Failla, Joshua Shuster, Jackson G. Schuler Aug 2026

Project Chimaera: Development Of A Tessellated Tetrahedral Truss Structure For Adaptive Multi-Regime Morphing Wing Technology, Evan Meyer, Eric Rodarte, Maximo Failla, Joshua Shuster, Jackson G. Schuler

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Project Chimaera: Physical Assembly of tessellated tetrahedral wing for Multi-Regime Flight. Modern Aircrafts lose aerodynamic efficiency because they are primarily made utilizing fixed wings which are designed for a single optimal flight condition. This forces an aircraft’s performance to become compromised across various speed maneuvers and flight regimes. Project Chimaera addresses this limitation through the development of a morphing wing capable of dynamically changing its geometry extensively during flight to allow an aircraft to travel between subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic speeds. Whereas traditional wings rely on wing flaps and other flight controls; Project Chimaera addresses the limitation of flight controls …

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Fatigue And Circadian Disruption In Long-Haul Ferry Pilots: Human Factors Challenges And Mitigation Strategies, Parneet Makkar Aug 2026

Fatigue And Circadian Disruption In Long-Haul Ferry Pilots: Human Factors Challenges And Mitigation Strategies, Parneet Makkar

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Fatigue and circadian rhythm disruption present significant human factors challenges in long-haul aviation operations, particularly for ferry pilots (pilots responsible for transporting aircraft long distances between locations) who often travel across multiple time zones before beginning flight duties. Circadian rhythms regulate the human sleep-wake cycle and are closely tied to cognitive performance, alertness, and coordination. Rapid travel across time zones can disrupt these rhythms, producing symptoms commonly associated with jet lag such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and reduced cognitive functioning. For ferry pilots, long travel periods and irregular schedules may increase the likelihood of fatigue before flight operations even begin. …

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From Code To Cube: Interactive Fluid Simulation With Real Time Motion Control, Dominic Ziccardi, Carter Groezinger Aug 2026

From Code To Cube: Interactive Fluid Simulation With Real Time Motion Control, Dominic Ziccardi, Carter Groezinger

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This research project explores the use of FluidX3D, an open-source lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) solver, to simulate fluid behavior within a three-dimensional cube container. The system supports both standard water models and rheoscopic fluid visualization, allowing detailed observation of complex flow dynamics in real time. The simulation accurately represents fluid motion, gravity-driven behavior, and rotational response within a bounded cubic domain. The longterm objective is to extend this digital simulation into a physical installation consisting of six synchronized square displays arranged to form a cube. This configuration will create a volumetric illusion of fluid occupying a tangible, handheld structure. An …

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Predicting Passenger Demand On National Flights Departing From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atl) In 2024, Brooklyn Gossett, Ana Yu Wen Aug 2026

Predicting Passenger Demand On National Flights Departing From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atl) In 2024, Brooklyn Gossett, Ana Yu Wen

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The aviation industry relies heavily on accurate demand forecasting to guide critical decisions regarding route planning, capacity management, and pricing strategy. Misjudging passenger demand can result in significant revenue loss and operational inefficiency, making it essential for airlines and analysts to identify the key drivers of flight patronage. This study investigates the factors that most significantly predict the number of passengers on domestic flights departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) during the 2024 calendar year. Using passenger and route data sourced from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), a multiple regression analysis …

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Applications Of A Swarm-Behavior Model On Existing Satellite Constellations, Naomi Lee Aug 2026

Applications Of A Swarm-Behavior Model On Existing Satellite Constellations, Naomi Lee

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The scope of this work explores biological swarm behavior and its application to low- and medium-sized Earth orbit satellite constellation systems. Existing constellation structures have predetermined orbits, meaning there is little adaptivity in the spacing and interactions between satellites. This allows for formation disruption by atmospheric perturbations in lower Earth orbit trajectories but can be countered with interactive controls that help with structure stability. This adaptive spacing and control can also be applied in MEO constellations in coverage and positioning optimization. In ‘mimicking’ this swarm behavior in starling murmurations, the separation, alignment, and cohesion flocking behavior of satellite groupings will …

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Microgravity Operations: Passive Capture Tool Dock Development, Tyler Mastroianni, Alexander Choinski, David Smith, Matthew Perkins, Kelsey Hunsicker, Jeanelle Ferdinand Aug 2026

Microgravity Operations: Passive Capture Tool Dock Development, Tyler Mastroianni, Alexander Choinski, David Smith, Matthew Perkins, Kelsey Hunsicker, Jeanelle Ferdinand

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The 2026 NASA Micro-g NExT Challenge 2 requests a device that simplifies the stowage of tools during EVAs. EVAs are crucial during missions, but their effectiveness is hindered because of challenging tool management. Our device, Latch Point, is designed to streamline tool stowage, allowing astronauts to secure tools more efficiently and with less physical strain. This will reduce the duration of EVAs, improving mission productivity. This is important because EVAs are expensive due to the complexity of the suits and the training and preparation required of astronauts before they can undergo these types of missions. This new device would reduce …

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Trim Characteristics And Its Importance, Daviel Peralta Aug 2026

Trim Characteristics And Its Importance, Daviel Peralta

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This project will go into the characteristics that lead to the concept of “Trim adjustment” in aircraft by modeling and demonstrating physical principles and mathematical concepts under ideal conditions. We will derive an equation from the basic physical principles of torque and lift to demonstrate how the trim is adjusted in steady, constant velocity flow for the sake of the pilot’s ease of control and to induce stability in flight. These adjustments are considered differently with different types of aircraft; as such, we will be focusing on mono-fixed-winged aircraft with one engine and conventional helicopter designs. Both flying devices will …

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Mri-Based Estimation Of The Hip Joint Center In Infants Using Two Sphere-Fitting Methods, Victoria Melendez Aug 2026

Mri-Based Estimation Of The Hip Joint Center In Infants Using Two Sphere-Fitting Methods, Victoria Melendez

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Accurate estimation of the hip joint center (HJC) is critical for biomechanical modeling and clinical assessment. Common methods include predictive methods (e.g., regression equations) and functional methods such as sphere-fitting. In infants, femoral head-based methods are often limited due to incomplete ossification of the anatomy and poor visualization in computed tomography (CT) images. This study evaluates an alternative approach using MRI-based sphere fitting of the ossified acetabular rim, comparing its accuracy to traditional femoral head-based methods. MRI scans of three male infants (ages 10.7- 12.7 months) were used to manually place landmarks on the ossified acetabulum and the cartilaginous boundary …

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Navigating Enhanced Exploration Assistance (Nexa), Azhari Abbas, Caleb Fakunle, Ryan Powell, Donovan Livingston Aug 2026

Navigating Enhanced Exploration Assistance (Nexa), Azhari Abbas, Caleb Fakunle, Ryan Powell, Donovan Livingston

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

NEXA is an artificial intelligence software platform developed to enhance residential security and property monitoring through seamless integration with autonomous drone systems. This research application of advanced AI in surveillance aims to create a standalone solution capable of real-time threat detection and intelligent alert management. By processing visual and sensory data, NEXA facilitates autonomous drone operation with minimal human intervention. Secure communication channels ensure that instant alerts are delivered to property owners and, potentially, law enforcement, improving response times in security incidents, search-and-rescue operations, and perimeter surveillance. Additionally, NEXA is capable of interfacing with commercially available drone platforms and presents …

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Apical-Out Lung Organoids: A Platform For Spaceflight And Cf Research, Valeria Jimenez, Ally Schwennesen Aug 2026

Apical-Out Lung Organoids: A Platform For Spaceflight And Cf Research, Valeria Jimenez, Ally Schwennesen

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

A genetic condition known as cystic fibrosis (CF) is brought on by mutations in the CFTR gene, which results in chronic lung inflammation and impaired chloride ion transport. CF bronchial epithelial cells enable direct comparison of disease pathology, while normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells offer an essential model for researching airway physiology. Realistic modeling of respiratory tissue and its reaction to environmental stressors like microgravity is made possible by the creation of 3D lung organoids from these cells. In this project, we developed apical-out organoids, which expose the apical surface of epithelial cells to the external environment. These organoids …

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Turbine Aerodynamics And Performance Characterization, Anuranan Bharadwaj, Kalkamanali Satvaldy, Vincent Shi Aug 2026

Turbine Aerodynamics And Performance Characterization, Anuranan Bharadwaj, Kalkamanali Satvaldy, Vincent Shi

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This research presents an integrated study combining computational modeling and experimental validation to enhance the design and performance characterization of small-scale turbine systems. The theoretical component focuses on developing an object-oriented Python code for the preliminary design and performance prediction of radial turbines, capable of generating velocity triangles, thermodynamic properties, and geometric parameters from user-defined inputs. The tool employs Whitfield-based correlations and fundamental gas-dynamic relations to estimate exit flow parameters, work ratio, and efficiency, offering flexibility for expansion into geometry export and CAD integration.   Complementing the computational model, the experimental component aims to improve the aerodynamic testing capabilities of the …

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An Evaluation Of Machine Learning Models' Efficacy In Determining Uav Spoofing Attacks, Nicolas Machado, Jaxon Selzer Aug 2026

An Evaluation Of Machine Learning Models' Efficacy In Determining Uav Spoofing Attacks, Nicolas Machado, Jaxon Selzer

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

An Evaluation of Machine Learning Models' Efficacy in Determining UAV Spoofing Attacks - The rapid integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into urban airspace has introduced significant cybersecurity concerns, particularly due to vulnerabilities in Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B), which lacks authentication and encryption. This project addresses the problem of detecting spoofing and data manipulation attacks that can compromise UAV safety and mission reliability. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning–based anomaly detection, specifically Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) networks, as protocol-agnostic solutions for identifying anomalous UAV behavior. To achieve this, …

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Investigation Of Biofilm Formation And Osmotic Stress Tolerance Of Nonmotile Escherichia Coli In Simulated Microgravity, Tyler Jenkins Aug 2026

Investigation Of Biofilm Formation And Osmotic Stress Tolerance Of Nonmotile Escherichia Coli In Simulated Microgravity, Tyler Jenkins

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Simulated microgravity presents multiple physiological stressors for astronauts, including bone demineralization, muscle loss, and weakening of the immune system. Bacteria serve as viable model organisms to study physiological changes because of their abundance in the human digestive system and skin. Motility in bacteria plays a significant role in cell survival, but few studies have been conducted on microgravity’s effect on motility phenotypes. While motile strains like Escherichia coli K12 have been studied extensively under microgravity conditions, the effects of simulated microgravity on non-motile strains are largely unknown. To better understand this relationship, the nonmotile E. coli MG1655 strain was inoculated …

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String-Of-Pearls Measurements Of Supersonic Plasma Jets Using Magnetospheric Multiscale Satellites, Amelia Koth Aug 2026

String-Of-Pearls Measurements Of Supersonic Plasma Jets Using Magnetospheric Multiscale Satellites, Amelia Koth

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

High-energy supersonic plasma jets form when the solar wind, which is a flow of charged particles from the Sun, slows down as it encounters Earth’s magnetic shield. Occasionally, the solar wind remains at supersonic speeds as it enters this region. This forms plasma jets that propagate toward Earth; these jets can carry strong magnetic fields, drive magnetic reconnection, and potentially initiate substorms that lead to auroral activity.   Previously studied plasma jets occurred when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) points southward. In contrast, this study focuses on northward IMF conditions, which are less understood, yet still capable of producing supersonic jets. …

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Evaluation Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Pathogens Relevant To Long-Duration Space Missions, Natalie Brattain, Yegor Bushnev, Mikayla M. Dutkiewicz Aug 2026

Evaluation Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Pathogens Relevant To Long-Duration Space Missions, Natalie Brattain, Yegor Bushnev, Mikayla M. Dutkiewicz

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global concern that necessitates the development of effective strategies for selecting appropriate antibiotics, especially in the context of future long-duration space missions, where infection control and treatment options are limited. This study employs the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion assay to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other clinically and spaceflight-relevant bacterial pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These pathogens will be tested with commonly used antibiotics and potential natural compounds.   The pathogens will be cultured and isolated onto Mueller–Hinton agar plates. Antibiotic disks, along with various flavonoids disks, such as …

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Helio: Heliophysics Enhanced Learning For Intelligent Orbits, Kylie Nager, James Kirk Aug 2026

Helio: Heliophysics Enhanced Learning For Intelligent Orbits, Kylie Nager, James Kirk

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

HELIO: Heliophysics Enhanced Learning for Intelligent Orbits   Satellite constellations operating in near-Earth space are increasingly vulnerable to space weather disturbances, such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and high-speed solar wind streams, which degrade communications, destabilize attitude control, and accelerate orbital decay. These disturbances directly threaten mission continuity, constellation availability, and space asset survivability. Current protective approaches rely primarily on ground-based alerts and lack integration with broader space domain awareness, which results in programmed reactive protocols that are often initiated too late to prevent performance degradation and asset loss. The HELIO project addresses this gap by turning space-weather forecasts …

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Interplanetary Trajectory Optimization With Reinforcement Learning, Shiloh Cuffe Aug 2026

Interplanetary Trajectory Optimization With Reinforcement Learning, Shiloh Cuffe

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This project investigates the application of reinforcement learning (RL) to optimize low-thrust interplanetary trajectory design, focusing on the Earth-Venus transfer leg of the BepiColombo mission. Traditional trajectory optimization methods, such as patched conics and genetic algorithms, often require simplifying assumptions or complex optimization schemes. This work formulates the trajectory design problem as an optimal control problem (OCP) within a Markov Decision Process (MDP) framework, enabling an RL agent to learn efficient transfer strategies under realistic spacecraft constraints. The objective is to develop an autonomous guidance approach capable of replicating or improving upon established mission designs. The spacecraft is modeled as …

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Generalized Cloud-Based Compressible Aerodynamics Calculator And Simulation Web App, Massimo Mansueto, Liam Griesacker, Andres Torres-Figueroa Aug 2026

Generalized Cloud-Based Compressible Aerodynamics Calculator And Simulation Web App, Massimo Mansueto, Liam Griesacker, Andres Torres-Figueroa

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The Generalized Cloud-Based Compressible Aerodynamics Calculator and Simulation Web App focuses on the development of a tool to support the analysis, visualization, and teaching of compressible aerodynamics. In the case of most undergraduate aerospace engineering courses, students rely on static equations, charts, and manual calculations, which can make it difficult to conceptualize complex flow phenomena such as shock waves, expansion fans, and nozzle flow. The purpose of this project is to create an accessible platform that integrates a compressible flow calculator, nozzle sizing tool, and interactive simulations into a single educational resource. The application is implemented using modern web development …

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Terramechanics-Based Comparison Of Dem And Crm For Lunar Surface Applications, Nicolas Bonasoro Aug 2026

Terramechanics-Based Comparison Of Dem And Crm For Lunar Surface Applications, Nicolas Bonasoro

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Understanding how lunar regolith interacts with robotic systems is important for safe surface operations because uncertain terrain conditions can affect rover traversability and lunar lander stability. This work applies terramechanics to two space robotics applications: in-situ cone penetration testing (CPT) for terrain assessment and lunar lander touchdown analysis for evaluating sinkage, force response, and stability. The study compares the Discrete Element Method (DEM), which resolves particle-scale interactions and captures detailed regolith behavior, with the Continuum Representation Method (CRM), which models soil response more efficiently and supports rigid CAD components such as lander footpads, legs, and body geometries. Current CPT results …

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Robotic Arm Development For Cone Penetration Testing On The Lunar Surface, Jonah Graff, Derek Zhang Aug 2026

Robotic Arm Development For Cone Penetration Testing On The Lunar Surface, Jonah Graff, Derek Zhang

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Just as on Earth, future lunar operations will require accurate characterization of surface conditions. On Earth, a proven method for this is Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), which evaluates soil bearing capacity and stratification. This information is vital for lunar operations, including habitat construction, resource extraction, and safe pathfinding. However, traditional CPT systems are designed for human operation and lack autonomy. This project addresses that limitation by developing an autonomous, in-situ terrain characterization system for lunar surfaces. The device is driven by ball-screw actuators powered by stepper motors and controlled through an Arduino Mega, using a combination of metal and 3D-printed …

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Extending The Essentially Entropic Lattice Boltzmann Method To Three-Dimensional Turbulent Flows, Michael Derderian Aug 2026

Extending The Essentially Entropic Lattice Boltzmann Method To Three-Dimensional Turbulent Flows, Michael Derderian

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The Entropic Lattice Boltzmann Method (EELBM) has demonstrated strong numerical stability and accuracy for two-dimensional simulations, particularly at higher resolutions where the entropic formulation introduces only minimal stabilizing turbulent viscosity and eventually converges to the Lattice Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (LBGK) formulation. This built-in stabilization can be interpreted as an implicit large-eddy simulation (LES) model, allowing EELBM to capture complex turbulent behavior without requiring explicit subgrid-scale closures. While these advantages have been thoroughly validated in 2D, understanding how the entropic constraint regulates dissipation in three dimensions is essential for assessing EELBM’s suitability for practical, turbulence-dominated applications. This work focuses on the development and …

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Feasibility Of High-Throughput Onboard Ai For Mars Rovers Under Solar Constraints, Aashman Gupta Aug 2026

Feasibility Of High-Throughput Onboard Ai For Mars Rovers Under Solar Constraints, Aashman Gupta

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This project evaluates the feasibility of sustained onboard AI autonomy for a solar-powered Mars rover by directly linking solar energy availability to achievable compute performance. While Mars solar irradiance and edge computing performance have been studied independently, no unified framework currently couples surface power generation to autonomy throughput in an experimentally validated manner. The project will begin with a simulation of solar power generation for a 1 m² rover-mounted array across a Martian sol, accounting for seasonal variation, dust opacity, and array configuration (fixed versus sun-tracking). The resulting power profile will then be coupled to representative compute platforms running autonomy …

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Metabolic Regulation And Immunity In The Spaceflight Environment, Graeme Grainger, Riley Dienna, Astrid Senko, Angela Cebula, Arden Rodriguez Arden Rodriguez Aug 2026

Metabolic Regulation And Immunity In The Spaceflight Environment, Graeme Grainger, Riley Dienna, Astrid Senko, Angela Cebula, Arden Rodriguez Arden Rodriguez

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Long-duration spaceflight exposes astronauts to chronic ionizing radiation and microgravity that disrupts homeostasis in the immune system and cellular metabolism. While simulated spaceflight models demonstrate altered T-cell polarization and sex-dependent shifts toward regulatory phenotypes, the metabolic mechanisms driving these immune changes remain unclear. Immune cell function is tightly linked to metabolic programming, with effector T cells relying on glycolysis and regulatory T cells favoring oxidative metabolism, making them highly sensitive to shifts in nutrient availability and redox balance. Emerging research further suggests that neutrophils act as metabolic regulators capable of reshaping the immune microenvironment through oxidative stress, cytokine production, and …

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Future Meteorological Droughts In The Southeastern Us, Kunal Bhardwaj, C. Prakash Khedun, Abdul A. Khan Aug 2026

Future Meteorological Droughts In The Southeastern Us, Kunal Bhardwaj, C. Prakash Khedun, Abdul A. Khan

Journal of South Carolina Water Resources

The Southeastern U.S., despite its humid climate, experiences recurrent meteorological droughts which impact agricultural, water resources, ecological systems, and the economy and society. Knowledge of future drought conditions can guide adaptation efforts. Here, we evaluate historical and projected droughts using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) computed from an ensemble of eight bias-corrected Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the Climate Model Intercomparison Phase-6 (CMIP6). The historical performance (1950–2014) of the GCM’s mean was benchmarked against gridded observations from the Climate Research Unit (CRU). Future changes were assessed under 1.5°C, 2.0°C, and 3.0°C global warming levels.We …

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Assessing Non-Thermal Plasma In Cutaneous Regeneration, Arden Rodriguez, Meliah Martin, Graeme Grainger, Arineh Shahbazi Aug 2026

Assessing Non-Thermal Plasma In Cutaneous Regeneration, Arden Rodriguez, Meliah Martin, Graeme Grainger, Arineh Shahbazi

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Chronic and acute wounds remain a significant clinical challenge, particularly in austere and resource-limited environments where access to advanced care is restricted. Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) has emerged as a promising, non-invasive modality with reported antimicrobial and regenerative properties; however, its mechanisms of action and effects on human skin tissue require further characterization. The scope of this project is to engineer and utilize a 3D human skin epithelial model to evaluate the effects of NTP on wound healing. We will first build a 3D epithelial tissue model that will simulate human skin, followed by modeling and evaluation of wound pathology and …

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Magnesium-Enhanced Methane: A Novel Metalized Fuel For Mars Return Missions And Next-Generation Propulsion Systems, Kinga Wysocka Aug 2026

Magnesium-Enhanced Methane: A Novel Metalized Fuel For Mars Return Missions And Next-Generation Propulsion Systems, Kinga Wysocka

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This research investigates magnesium-enhanced methane as a novel metalized fuel concept for high-performance, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU)-compatible rocket propulsion. While methane is a leading candidate for Mars missions due to its producibility via the Sabatier process, its combustion performance is limited by the high activation energy of the initial C–H bond (~4 eV). To address this limitation, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to analyze methane and hydrogen interactions with a Mg(0001) surface. A converged slab model (3×3×4 and 3×3×5) was validated with energy differences below 1 meV per atom for k-point sampling and ~13.99 meV per atom for …

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From Dust To Growth: Microbial Pathways To Extraterrestrial Farming, Stefani Capasso Villanueva, Nupur Kulkarni Aug 2026

From Dust To Growth: Microbial Pathways To Extraterrestrial Farming, Stefani Capasso Villanueva, Nupur Kulkarni

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

From Dust to Growth: Microbial Pathways to Extraterrestrial Farming addresses the fundamental challenge of sustaining long-term human habitation on other planets. In the era of the Artemis missions, establishing a cost-effective, bioregenerative food source is critical to reducing logistical dependency on Earth, and mitigating the physiological stressors faced by spacecrew through improved nutrition. This study initially investigated the viability of cultivating Mizuna, a proven ISS model organism, in a substrate of Martian regolith simulant amended with organic compost. Following iterative trials, it was found that the plant survival rate was extremely low, even after varying percentages of compost and simulant. …

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Advanced Manufacturing And Materials Of A Bio-Mimetic Hoof For Space Robotics Applications, Benjamin Heckel Aug 2026

Advanced Manufacturing And Materials Of A Bio-Mimetic Hoof For Space Robotics Applications, Benjamin Heckel

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Planetary surfaces often feature steep, uneven, and unpredictable terrain conditions that resemble some of the most challenging natural environments on Earth. In these terrestrial settings, certain animals have evolved to navigate complex landscapes with remarkable agility. One example is the mountain goat, an animal whose hooves have evolved for stable and precise movement across rocky, inclined surfaces. This biological adaptation provides a useful model for improving robotic mobility in planetary exploration. This study draws inspiration from that natural adaptation to develop a bio-mimetic robotic hoof designed to enhance traction, durability, and adaptability for extraterrestrial exploration. By replicating the mechanical properties …

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