“U-M Selected by the U.S. Space Force for Research Development Institute”

Dr. Benjamin Jorns, an associate professor for Michigan Aerospace Engineering and the director of the Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory (PEPL), was featured in “U-M selected by the U.S. Space Force for research development institute” for The Michigan Daily. The University will receive $34.9 million in funding to work alongside the Rochester Continue Reading »

Enduring the Fireball of Spacecraft Re-entry through Improved Radiative Heating Prediction

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When we think about space missions, our minds often drift to unforgettable moments from the Apollo missions, the Space Shuttle Orbiter, or blockbuster movies. Among the many lasting memories from these endeavors, the image of the spacecraft engulfed in fiery plasma before safely landing back on Earth may be the most significant, as it symbolizes a successful mission. At the University of Michigan Department of Aerospace Engineering, researchers are working to better understand the complex scientific and engineering efforts behind these awe-inspiring scenes to ensure our astronauts continue to get home safely.

MRover Brings Home Top Ten Finish in International Competition

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The University of Michigan Mars Rover Team (MRover) team took home a ninth place win at this year’s University Rover Challenge (URC) which took place over the weekend of May 29 at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). The top ten finish was a cause for celebration for the team after a major setback last August, 2023, when the team lost all of their tools and equipment in a fire, forcing them to restart late into their design cycle.