Fall 2024

Team photo for group project. Features Samuel Barnett, Brennen Becenti-Francisco, Chasity James, Ivan Makarenko

Robotic Explorer for Hypothesized Surfaces

The team focused on designing a prototype rover to explore the surface of the asteroid Psyche, located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This mission is significant because Psyche, believed to consist largely of metal, may provide valuable insights into the building blocks of planets. The rover’s design aims to facilitate detailed exploration…

Team photo for current project

Landing System for Hypothesized Surfaces

NASA, a leader in space exploration, discovered the asteroid 16-Psyche in the central asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, notable for its high metallic composition, believed to be the exposed core of an ancient planet. This discovery inspired the Psyche mission, which aims to send a probe to study the asteroid’s surface and gather critical…

Logo for the United States Air Force

U.S. Air Force Accident Classification and Monetary Valuation

The United States Air Force uses a classification system to measure the severity of aviation accidents, with Class A being the most severe. A monetary threshold, currently set at $2.5 million, defines a Class A mishap, but recent advancements in fifth-generation stealth aircraft and upcoming sixth-generation technology necessitate a re-evaluation of this standard. For example,…

United Airlines Wifi Connection

The team collaborated with a contact at United Airlines to address WiFi connection and accessibility issues during long-haul flights. The project explored potential solutions to bridge the gap between the rapid advancements in aviation technology and the slower progress of in-flight WiFi capabilities. By identifying and recommending feasible options, the team aimed to help United…

Photo of the sign for Glendale Municipal Airport in Glendale, AZ

Glendale Regional Airport Web Design

The Glendale Regional Airport faced challenges with its website, including limited accessibility for tenants and customers, outdated information, and inefficiencies in administrative communication. The team undertook a redesign and overhaul of the site with three primary goals. These included creating a more user-friendly interface, modernizing the website for long-term use, and integrating new payment portals…

Logo for Red Rocks flight school in Arizona

Skybound Solutions

Redrock Flight School in Mesa, Arizona, faces several challenges that threaten its training programs and overall operations. Key issues included a shortage of flight instructors, an aging fleet with high maintenance costs and rising fuel and training expenses, all of which pose financial and operational hurdles. The project focused on developing strategies to attract and…

Logo for Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor Fence Security Enhancement

The project at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport aimed to address the recurring issue of fence jumping by enhancing perimeter security. Sponsored by Paul Beurman, the team developed solutions that combined fundamental improvements with innovative, cutting-edge strategies to strengthen the airport’s defenses. By analyzing vulnerabilities and implementing both traditional and advanced measures, the project delivered a…