Gary Lai, ’99, helps lead Blue Origin into space

We address key challenges to achieve off-planet activities that require vast increases in current technology to operate long-term in space and support biological life.

PLASMA SCIENCE

Stable fusion

We are working toward stable fusion reactions for future applications in energy and deep space propulsion.

Man in a wind tunnel lab, sitting in front of a computer observing data

INTEGRATED FLIGHT SCIENCES & CONTROL

Aerospace Systems

We research composite materials, flexible structures, load alleviation, hypersonics and more to understand comprehensive flight systems.

FLUIDS

Efficiency

We research fluids to boost aero- and hydro-dynamic efficiency for energy savings and higher stability.

A researcher holding a chain composed of origami cells

STRUCTURES

Innovative forms

We develop structures and composites that are stronger, lighter, and adaptable for efficiency and safety.

Two researchers putting together an aerial vehicle outdoors

CONTROLS

Remote control

We refine guidance, navigation, and control of unmanned systems as well as optimization of networked systems.

FLUIDS RESEARCH IN FOCUS

New Law of Fluid Mechanics

Researchers in A&A’s Computational Fluid Mechanics Lab discovered a new law of fluid mechanics, a branch of physics, that will aid the future of aircraft design. The “Law of Incipient Separation” defines the maximum slope of an aircraft fuselage to avoid the separation of airflow that increases pressure-drag.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Cat Hannahs

A&A senior and Brooke Owens Fellow

Cat Hannahs made it to the Husky 100! As Chief Engineer of SARP, she leads the team of 150 students in the design, manufacturing, testing of a student-developed bipropellant rocket. She supports technical decisions and integration across avionics, propulsion, structures, and payload sub-teams.

Husky 100

"During my time at the UW, I have been able to thrive as an engineer and gain hands-on knowledge outside the classroom, which will serve me in pushing the human boundaries of space exploration."