MIT AeroAstro

MIT engineers are testing a new propulsion system that combines the power and speed of conventional chemical thrusters with the precision and fuel-efficiency of electrical thrusters.  The system could enable […] The post New propulsion system could make tiny satellites both fast and fuel-efficient appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

Researchers in the Aerospace Plasma Group along with European collaborators conducted experiments involving lightning sweeping across an airplane’s surface in the Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel, using diagnostics to better understand […] The post Wind tunnel experiments of long arcs in crossflow: Cathodic roots and scaling appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

Engineering Systems Lab researcher Yana Charoenboonvivat and Prof. Olivier de Weck developed a method to estimate the extraterrestrial power needed to support human missions on the Moon and Mars.  Authors: […] The post Surface power demand modeling for human martian and lunar missions appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

In alphabetical order: In alphabetical order: The post Congratulations to the Course XVI Class of 2026! appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

Spring once again marked a season of recognizing accomplishments for Course XVI, as students, faculty, staff, and researchers were honored for not only their achievements in mentorship, leadership, and research, […] The post AeroAstro 2026 Community Awards appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) could fly through a collapsed building to map the scene, giving rescuers information they need to quickly reach survivors.  […] The post New research enables a robot to chart a better course appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

Sonia Kekeh ‘27 has earned a Matthew Isakowitz Commercial Space Scholarship (MCSS). She is one of only nine awardees out of 150 applicants for the 2026 scholarship year. The MCSS […] The post Sonia Kekeh ‘27 earns Matthew Isakowitz Commercial Space Scholarship appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

Each year, faculty and researchers across the MIT School of Engineering are recognized with prestigious awards for their contributions to research, technology, society, and education. To celebrate these achievements, the […] The post MIT School of Engineering faculty receive awards in winter 2026 appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

A new World Economic Forum article for the Technology Convergence series co-authored by Prof. Dava Newman outlines how space technology convergence is redefining how we build systems in space and […] The post World Economic Forum: Why space technology convergence matters now appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

Current aircraft taxiing relies on running engines and pilot control, which drives up fuel use, emissions, noise, costs, and safety risks. Because taxiing follows structured paths, it’s well-suited for automation […] The post Conceptual design of an electric semi-autonomous taxiing system for commercial aviation appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

This article originally appeared in The Bay State Banner. Read the full article here. When three Black high school girls became the target of racist attacks after entering a NASA […] The post The Bay State Banner: MIT’s AeroAfro provides mentorship, belonging for Black graduate students in aerospace fields appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

MIT Research Scientist Afreen Siddiqi ’99, SM ’01, PhD ’06; MIT professors Kathleen Thelen and Vinod Vaikuntanathan SM ’05, PhD ’09; as well as Kate Manne PhD ’11 are among […] The post MIT affiliates awarded 2026 Guggenheim Fellowships appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

The sixth annual MIT AeroAstro SpaceTech Conference explored what it takes to turn research into impact in the “Space Innovation Ecosystem,” showcasing how early-stage concepts become startups, how teams secure […] The post SpaceTech 2026 explores the space innovation ecosystem appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

A national housing shortage is straining finances and communities across the United States. In Massachusetts, at least 222,000 homes will have to be built in the next 10 years to […] The post Tackling the housing shortage with robotic microfactories appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

Chances are, you’ve already used a satellite today. Satellites make it possible for us to stream our favorite shows, call and text a friend, check weather and navigation apps, and […] The post Managing traffic in space appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

Three MIT teams have been selected as finalists in the 2026 NASA Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) Competition, an annual program that fuels innovation in aerospace systems concepts, […] The post Three MIT teams selected as finalists in NASA’s 2026 RASC-AL competition appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

Brian Robinson has always been interested in exploring the sky, and beyond. “When I was a middle schooler, I would draw pictures about wanting to be an astronaut one day,” […] The post Built to fly appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .

All the ingredients to leave the first layer of the atmosphere were laying on a picnic table. T-minus 30 minutes before launch from the New York Catskills, students in MIT’s […] The post Flying at the edge of the stratosphere appeared first on MIT AeroAstro .