Department of Astronautical Engineering
News

Solving The Space Dilemma

Apr 17, 2024

USC ISI researchers are building tools to solve safety problems in space operations, and creating test beds to simulate cyberattacks in space

AME and ASTE Students Awarded at the 2024 AIAA Conference

Apr 01, 2024

AME teams received 2nd and 3rd place in the Undergraduate Teams category.

Graduate Students Present Papers at the 45th IEEE Aerospace Conference

Mar 21, 2024

Paper topics ranged from designs for space robots, to management of space debris, to support for astronauts conducting maintenance in space habitats.

Professor Mike Gruntman participates in Symposium on Space Sciences and Technologies at M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru

Mar 07, 2024

Professor Gruntman helped to organize the symposium, and took part in a panel discussion where he discussed opportunities in space for students in India.

USC Rocket Propulsion Lab is Ready to Return to Space

Dec 07, 2023

The stellar USC Astronautics team has now set the record for the most powerful motor ever fired by a student group – so, what’s next?

Professor Azad Madni Awarded ASME Honorary Membership

Nov 20, 2023

Professor Azad Madni is awarded Honorary Membership by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Too Close for Comfort: USC Viterbi Students Use AI to Prevent Aircraft Collisions

Nov 17, 2023

USC had two teams among top 10 finalists in national FAA Data Challenge 2023.

Anita Sengupta is on a Mission to Decarbonize Aviation

Nov 13, 2023

Hydroplane, founded by USC alum Anita Sengupta, receives Minority Emerging Technology and Industries Firm of the Year Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

USC Viterbi at The Economist Space Economy Summit

Oct 20, 2023

USC Viterbi leadership and alumni join global thought-leaders in debate about the economic growth of a multi-billion dollar industry.

Space Archaeology at 17,000 Miles Per Hour

Oct 16, 2023

The preliminary findings from the first ever archaeological study of the ISS are shared during a presentation at USC.

Faculty and Students Pay Tribute to Software Engineering Pioneer Barry Boehm

Sep 28, 2023

Boehm is remembered as a dedicated researcher and a “wonderful advisor”, who greatly shaped the life of his students and colleagues.

DEN@Viterbi celebrates 50 years of high-impact distance learning

Sep 28, 2023

The progressive pedagogy of the pioneering distance learning program has changed the lives of graduate students worldwide.

Low Cost and Lightweight Hardware will Transform the Space Industry

Jul 20, 2023

USC astronautics professor plays a crucial role in developing hardware for NASA’s first commercial payload to the Moon.

USC Students Advance Augmented Reality for Artemis Astronauts

Jun 05, 2023

NASA SUITS challenges students to boost astronauts’ capacity for safe and ambitious exploration.

First USC Research Prototype Launches for Testing on the International Space Station

Jun 02, 2023

CLINGERS, a unique docking system, is designed to facilitate sensing and docking operations in space.

So You’d Like a Job at the Largest Aerospace Company in the World?

May 26, 2023

Unique partnership between Boeing and USC Viterbi allows paid summer internships, tuition expenses and a full time position after graduation.

Wide Awake and Dreaming: USC Viterbi’s 2023 Master’s Commencement Ceremonies

May 13, 2023

The class of 2023 is “the best educated, the most representative in our history.”

“At Heart, We’re Problem Solvers:” USC Viterbi Undergraduate Commencement 2023

May 13, 2023

This year’s ceremony at Alumni Park was headlined by alumnus and venture capitalist, Mark Stevens, who praised the power and versatility of an engineering degree

“Attention is All You Need”: New Ph.D.s Urged to Attend to “Challenges of Earth’s Eight Billion People.”

May 12, 2023

The 2023 Ph.D. Hooding and Awards Ceremony honors 133 new graduates and Jiaoyang Li, winner of this year’s best Ph.D. thesis.

NAE’s 2023 Gordon Prize Ceremony Celebrates the Career of Azad Madni

May 04, 2023

For the second year in a row, USC hosts the top award in engineering education.

More Debris, More Problems: Building Technology to Clean Up Space

Apr 04, 2023

Researchers at USC Viterbi’s Information Sciences Institute are building machines to help rid junk from the atmosphere.

First 3D Printed Rocket, Created by Trojan Engineers, Soars Into the Upper Atmosphere

Mar 23, 2023

The co-founders of Relativity Space eye their next big steps: investing in space start-ups and reaching Earth orbit.

Former Students Pioneer Edge Computing In Space

Mar 14, 2023

From the lab to outer space, these former ISIers are launching more than just a company.

Six Weeks to Mars? Viterbi Alums Are Building Powerful, Versatile Rocket Engines

Feb 15, 2023

Ursa Major, a company with 13 alumni, seeks to democratize access to space

Alumnus Makes Space Dreams Come True

Jan 30, 2023

Propulsion engineer Roderic Vanderscoff helps Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket reach orbit

Azad Madni Receives NAE’s 2023 Gordon Prize

Jan 05, 2023

For second year in a row, a Trojan receives top award in engineering education

Azad Madni Receives the Prestigious IEEE Simon Ramo Medal

Jan 05, 2023

Madni is being honored for pioneering contributions to model-based systems engineering, education, and industrial impact using interdisciplinary approaches

Powered by Honor

Nov 09, 2022

Two decades as a Navy pilot taught Will Pressley, M.S. ’17, what it takes to succeed as a military leader. (Hint: The answer’s not in “Top Gun: Maverick.”)

USC Viterbi DEN Course Offered in Ukraine Hopes to Rebuild Space Industry

Oct 07, 2022

Free, online astronautics course is a humanitarian effort to maintain Ukraine’s academic excellence in astronautics

Have You Ever Played Piano in Zero Gravity? Jose Ferreira Has.

Oct 04, 2022

USC Viterbi Ph.D. student takes music to new heights, combining his love of space with the arts

Artificial Intelligence in Space – USC’s Information Sciences Institute is on a Mission

Oct 03, 2022

Astronaut Danny Olivas joins ISI’s Visual Intelligence and Multimedia Analytics Laboratory (VIMAL) to look for ways to use AI in space.

USC Students Compete in Augmented Reality NASA SUITS Challenge

Jul 01, 2022

The team was one of 10 selected by NASA to design an AR interface for lunar, Martian exploration.

When Will Space Flight Be As Safe as Air Flight?

May 18, 2022

USC Viterbi adjunct professor and rocket scientist, Michael Kezirian, makes a case for why advancing space safety measures advances space exploration.

“The Best Educated Class In Our History”

May 14, 2022

At the 2022 commencement ceremony, undergraduates shared laughter, tears and hugs as they embark on a new journey

“The World Impatiently Waits For You”: 1100 USC Viterbi Master’s Students Graduate

May 14, 2022

First in-person, satellite ceremonies in two years feature four-star general and former CEO of Yahoo and Verizon Media as speakers

“Do Better Than Us”: Three Years of USC Viterbi Ph.D.s Receive Their Hoods.

May 12, 2022

At the 2022 Ph.D. Hooding and Awards Ceremony, 215 new graduates join Trojan forebears like Andrew Viterbi and Wanda Austin.

USC and UA Students Are Developing an AR Interface to Inform Lunar Astronauts of Location, Vitals

Apr 28, 2022

Finalists in NASA “SUITS Up” Next Generation Astronaut Challenge Hopes to Foster Lunar Exploration

“Life Is Matter Plus Algorithms”

Feb 07, 2022

Annual USC Viterbi-Axilor Series Inspires Innovators and Entrepreneurs

USC Launches its 3rd Satellite into Space

Jan 13, 2022

Satellite Dodona, with its novel Lockheed Martin La Jument payloads, is part of SpaceX’s Smallsat Rideshare Program, will ride Transporter 3 mission to space

The Future of Solar System Modeling and Potential to Identify New Bodies

Sep 23, 2021

USC Viterbi Adjunct Associate Professor and JPL Principal Engineer Ryan Park will work on a new commission to produce high precision solar system models, potentially improving our ability to navigate and understand outer space.

Undergraduate Researchers Impress Viterbi Community With CURVE Symposium Posters

Jul 22, 2021

Over 100 USC Viterbi undergraduates present their year-long research projects virtually at the 2021 Viterbi Research Symposium

Ten USC Viterbi Students Honored with Aerospace Fellowship

Jun 25, 2021

A collaboration between the USC WiSE program and the Aerospace Corporation, this prestigious fellowship offers students the opportunity to gain real-life industry experience and develop their skills

Commencement 2021: Engineering Grads Take Center Stage at L.A. Coliseum For First Time in 71 Years

May 21, 2021

In a return to in-person graduation, the Class of 2020 and 2021 celebrate “passage to a post-COVID new world”

Class of 2021: Shobhita Rajashekar

May 12, 2021

Master’s student and class of 2021 graduate Shobhita Rajashekar hopes to get each and every one of us curious about space.

How Do You Build a Rocket Without a Lab?

Apr 14, 2021

How USC’s renowned Rocket Propulsion Laboratory took one of the most hands-on clubs on campus remote.

Five Questions about Space with Garrett Reisman

Feb 10, 2021

An audio conversation about space tourism, sustainability and pizza.

USC Viterbi Professors Azad Madni and Jong-Shi Pang Inducted into the National Academy of Engineering

Feb 09, 2021

An optimization expert who harnesses mathematics to improve industries and a leader in astronautical and systems engineering are USC Viterbi’s newest members of the National Academy of Engineering.

Mr. “Astropreneur”

Jan 12, 2021

Joe Landon has spent more than a decade working toward the day when millions of people can live and work in space

STARFISH: Space Exploration’s Newest Star

Nov 24, 2020

USC’s Space and Engineering Research Center looks to the star-shaped sea creature for their groundbreaking soft robotics project.

Azad Madni Receives Prestigious Award from National Defense Industrial Association

Nov 19, 2020

Professor of astronautical engineering and director of the Systems Architecting and Engineering program receives individual recognition for his contributions to the systems engineering discipline.

USC Viterbi Student and Air Force Officer Makes Plans to Go to Space

Nov 07, 2020

U.S. Air Force officer and astronautical engineering graduate student, Edward Proulx, prepares to fly into space at USC.

After a record-breaking deployment Navy Officer returns to USC for second graduate degree

Nov 07, 2020

Jonathan Messer, M.S. ’18, put his systems engineering degree to use during a global pandemic and a humanitarian mission in Central America. He’s now taking it to outer space.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Smallest Dwarf Planet

Oct 08, 2020

JPL Engineer and Adjunct USC Viterbi Professor Ryan Park confirms that dwarf planet Ceres is water-rich and geologically active.

USC Wins First Place in the AIAA Small Satellite Student Competition

Sep 03, 2020

USC Viterbi students design an ionic electrospray thruster to help fill in the propulsion gap for small satellites.

One Giant LEAPFROG For Humanity

Jul 15, 2020

USC students and researchers at ISI SERC are building a lunar landing flight vehicle as part of NASA’s Artemis program.

USC Student Team Makes NASA RASC-AL Competition Finals

Jun 16, 2020

The design team will present its design on Wednesday, June 17 at 10:50 a.m. PST. Livestream will be available.

The 2020 Undergraduate Student Awards

May 27, 2020

Motivated to engineer a better world for all humanity, USC Viterbi celebrates graduates who have pursued academic excellence and impacted their communities.

Trojan Students Sweep the Boeing Innovation Challenge

Apr 22, 2020

USC teams take the first three places in the prestigious competition, with USC Viterbi students leading the way.

USC Viterbi Listed Again Among the Nation’s Top 10 Engineering Graduate Programs

Mar 19, 2020

Annual rankings by U.S. News & World Report also keep USC Viterbi among the top five private engineering schools

Rocket Handles New Features with Poise

Feb 19, 2020

The record-breaking student-led USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory launched its latest vehicle, Poise, to test a new propellant, recovery system and more.

Is There Life on Mars? With the Right Tools, There Could Be.

Feb 06, 2020

A team of USC students is one of 10 finalists awarded $10K to build a water extraction tool for NASA’s Moon to Mars challenge.

“What If the Space Race Had Never Ended?” A Q&A With Garrett Reisman

Nov 21, 2019

New series “For All Mankind” explores alternate history of NASA with guidance from USC Viterbi professor of astronautics

“I Want To Leave The World A Better Place Than I Found It”

Nov 11, 2019

Kevin Moran, astronautical engineering transfer student and U.S. Navy veteran has his eyes set on fusing engineering with humanitarian work

USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory Receives Special Honor

Oct 04, 2019

The AIAA recognized students from the rocket lab for being the first undergraduate student team to design, build and successfully launch a rocket into space.

In Space or in the Classroom, Fun is a Top Priority

Sep 11, 2019

Garrett Reisman’s USC micro-seminar convenes incoming undergraduates to help navigate expectations and pressures and mitigate stress

Azad Madni Receives 2019 ASME CIE Leadership Award

Aug 23, 2019

Azad Madni, executive director of the USC Viterbi Systems Architecting and Engineering Program, receives the 2019 ASME CIE Leadership Award.

USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory Shatters Student Altitude Record

May 22, 2019

Traveler IV is reportedly the first entirely student-designed and built rocket to pass the Kármán line into outer space

Dan Erwin Appointed New Chair for USC Viterbi Department of Astronautical Engineering

Apr 22, 2019

Professor Dan Erwin to assume the leadership role of the Department of Astronautical Engineering beginning in July.

Ready for Launch: Students Deliver USC’s Third CubeSat Satellite

Mar 25, 2019

USC Viterbi students get hands-on with spacecraft hardware, successfully delivering a CubeSat mini-satellite for launch into Earth’s low orbit.

2018 AME Senior Project Showcase

Dec 17, 2018

Undergraduate students enrolled in AME 441A show off their semester’s work

Students 3D print rocket engine

Dec 06, 2018

The Liquid Propulsion Lab successfully tested the world’s first 3D printed rocket engine made entirely on campus

From the Persian Gulf to the Red Planet

Nov 10, 2018

Jonathan Yoke, Navy veteran and astronautical engineering graduate student, prepares for Mars at USC

Are We Ready to Leave Low Earth Orbit?

Oct 09, 2018

“First Man” screening event celebrates Neil Armstrong (M.S. ’70), spotlights Trojan space pioneers and “the next giant leap” in space exploration

What powers deep space travel?

Sep 20, 2018

Master’s student spends summer modeling nuclear generators for space expeditions

IEC3 Camp Teaches Middle School Girls about Careers in Aerospace Engineering

Sep 14, 2018

The USC Viterbi outreach program premiered its second annual STEM education camp for middle school girls, featuring major voices from aerospace engineering

Unique Mars spacecraft design earns engineering students a big win from NASA

Jul 06, 2018

USC Viterbi students design a deep-space transport with artificial gravity, earning first place in the graduate division of NASA’s student competition

Astronaut to Join USC Faculty

May 31, 2018

Garrett Reisman, Director of Space Operations at SpaceX and former NASA astronaut joins USC’s Department of Astronautical Engineering

Eureka! Eureka! The Class of 2018 Has Found It

May 12, 2018

After long nights that muddled into early mornings in SAL, CED, and Leavey, they’re ready to set sail

Master’s Class For The Ages

May 12, 2018

2018 USC Viterbi master’s students shared hugs, laughs and memories at graduation ceremonies.

2018 Viterbi Master’s Student Awards

May 11, 2018

Accomplishments of Viterbi Master’s students celebrated at the second annual event

Marie Curie Dropped the Ph.D. Mic 115 Years Ago. These Trojans Picked It Up.

May 10, 2018

At the 2018 USC Viterbi Ph.D. Hooding and Awards ceremony, the intellectual descendants of Curie, Drexler and Viterbi took the stage.

Reduce, Reuse, Rockets?

May 04, 2018

Astronautics grad Conor Cimo followed his passions for rocket engines and sustainability while at USC, and hopes to one day combine them

“One of the most powerful student-built engines in the world”

Mar 08, 2018

The student-led USC Liquid Propulsion Lab teams up with Japan’s Kyushu Institute of Technology to build and launch a liquid rocket

“Real Deal @ USC” showcases impressive startups from around the country

Jan 04, 2018

Entrepreneurs of young, exciting companies gather in SCilicon Beach for an evening of networking and dual-use ventures

USC Viterbi Joins the International Astronautical Federation

Nov 08, 2017

At the 68th International Astronautical Congress, USC Viterbi School of Engineering joins notable space organizations like NASA, ESA and SpaceX as a member of the IAF

Mapping NASA’s Space Missions

Sep 20, 2017

PhD student given the Outstanding Achievement Award from NASA’s Johnson Space Center for his work designing space flight trajectories

Department of Astronautical Engineering Reaches Major Milestone

Aug 28, 2017

Since its establishment in 2004, this unique space engineering department has awarded more than 500 Master of Science degrees.

IN MEMORIAM: Phillip Muntz, Emeritus Professor of Astronautics

Aug 04, 2017

Phillip Muntz, Emeritus Professor of Astronautics, passed away Aug. 1, 2017

Collaborate Through Stories: Using Interactive Storytelling to Bridge the Gap Between Engineers and Stakeholders

Jul 14, 2017

Professor Azad Madni uses model-based, data-driven stories to enhance collaboration, engagement, and decision making in complex systems engineering

2026: A Martian Odyssey

Jun 27, 2017

From designing a ship to sustaining life, students create a fully-functional manned mission to Mars.

Paging Low Orbit: First Hands-On Satellite Communications Course Takes Off

Jun 27, 2017

USC Viterbi Astronautical Engineering offered a Spring 2017 course featuring practical training for satellite tracking and antenna communications.

The 2017 Space Tech Expo

Jun 08, 2017

Research Professor David Barnhart and SERC students participate at the annual Space Tech Expo

2017 Viterbi Master’s Student Awards

May 23, 2017

Accomplishments of Viterbi Masters students celebrated in inaugural event

USC Viterbi 2017 Undergraduate Awards

May 23, 2017

Graduating students from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering were recognized on May 10th at the 2017 Undergraduate Viterbi Awards for their academic, leadership, and service achievements.