Project Description: Our project aims to develop suborbital unmanned aerial vehicles (sailplanes) capable of sustained flights above 60,000 feet for days or even months without landing. These sailplanes achieve extended endurance by leveraging static and dynamic soaring in wind shears and gusts. On Earth, their applications include emergency response and telecommunications. On Mars, they could operate at low-to-moderate altitudes, capturing high-resolution images of geological targets in the highlands and rugged terrains.
This project is based on prior research conducted by senior and graduate students in the Micro Air Vehicles Laboratory. Key milestones achieved include:
- Defining mission requirements and instrument specifications.
- Acquiring essential hardware, including: Pixhawk autopilot, Transmitter system, and GPS
- Assembling the sailplane and integrating onboard systems.
- Conducting preliminary wind tunnel and flight tests.
NASA Relevance: The NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) presented a long-term vision for aeronautical research. This plan underscores the significance of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), placing a strong focus on autonomous technologies in aviation.
Work Description:
- Expand knowledge of UAVs through real-world developer training, focusing on autopilot integration and wind tunnel experiments.
- Assist in test flights, including low-altitude and high-altitude autonomous dynamic soaring.
- Gain hands-on experience in conducting aerodynamic experiments in a wind tunnel.
Open or Reserved Project: Open, 2 positions