Skip to main content
Admissions

Energy & Environment

Aerospace engineering strives to push limits to go further with efficiency. We are advancing efficient launch mechanisms and fuel and propulsion options to get us into deep space. Out of this pursuit for deep space propulsion comes our pursuit for fusion energy solutions here on Earth. We produce aerodynamic surfaces and structures that reduce drag and save energy on not only air, space and underwater vehicles, but also large systems producing energy such as wind and marine turbines. We also develop lighter, stronger composite materials that require less energy to produce, transport and operate.

We are also working actively to benchmark and improve environmental conditions by developing satellites and drone systems to monitor several environmental markers and ecosystems. We are also agile in our applications. One example is we are developing methodologies to improve the study of corals and building structures to support them as they recover.

Related News

Alexis Harroun

Mon, 08/04/2025

From student to CEO: Alum prepares to make space history

Alexis Harroun (A&A ‘17) will be first to launch a rotating detonation rocket engine for an orbital flight.

Headshot of Thomas Key

Thu, 06/26/2025 | UW News

Thomas Key among 2025 UW Fulbright Scholars

Researching battery control systems earth and spacecraft applications, Key heads to the University of São Paulo.

Cartoon-style female scientist thinking by nuclear fusion equipment

Mon, 04/07/2025 | The Stranger

Fusion could save the world

Professors Shumlak and Srinivasan and Ph.D. student Daniel Alex teach The Stranger about the future of fusion power.

Headshot of Professor Bhuvana Srinivasan

Thu, 04/03/2025

Nuclear-powered rocket concept could cut journey time to Mars in half

CNN quotes Professor Bhuvana Srinivasan on the promise of nuclear fusion for space travel.