New Frontiers in Space
Through development of next gen research experiments and their space-flight deployment, faculty and students are bringing to light the effects of space-weather events and other phenomenon on Earth’s atmosphere. Pushing boundaries at the intersection of physical and data sciences, analytics, cybersecurity, remote sensing and spacecraft technologies, Virginia Tech has built a best-in-class, comprehensive suite of space-related programs through Space@VT.
Hands-on, minds-on learning brings together faculty and students across colleges and departments including aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and physics to create new models of partnership and discoveries, tools, and technologies for the digital age.
25
Research experiments sent to space
$15 million
In sponsored research (past 5 years)
600
Students involved in space-related research projects this year
60,000
Citations of
Virginia Tech Space Researchers
FEATURED PROGRAMS
We’re building the blueprint for the modern mobility ecosystem.
Smart Mobility Coalition
Learn the basics of technology transfer and how inventions from research are protected and commercialized through the licensing process.
We’re building the blueprint for the modern mobility ecosystem.
Smart Mobility Coalition
Learn the basics of technology transfer and how inventions from research are protected and commercialized through the licensing process.
We’re building the blueprint for the modern mobility ecosystem.
Smart Mobility Coalition
Learn the basics of technology transfer and how inventions from research are protected and commercialized through the licensing process.
We’re building the blueprint for the modern mobility ecosystem.
Smart Mobility Coalition
Learn the basics of technology transfer and how inventions from research are protected and commercialized through the licensing process.
VIRGINIA TECH LAUNCHES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO NEW HEIGHTS
Space@VT
The Center for Space Science and Engineering Research (Space@VT) gives students experiential learning opportunities through ground-based, drone, sounding rocket and satellite mission projects at the intersection of physics and engineering.
Aerospace and Oceanic Systems Lab
Housed in the Hume Center for National Security and Technology, the lab focuses on spaceborne systems, including space situational awareness, maritime remote sensing, small satellite design and security/resiliency to counteract the threat to deployed US national security platforms.
Advanced Propulsion
& Power Lab
One of the nation’s premier sites for research in propulsion and gas turbine power applications. Boasts facilities with several specialized rigs developed for advanced experimentation and testing and to provide cutting-edge research and experiental learning students.
Advanced Engineering Design Lab (AEDL)
A joint venture between Virginia Tech's College of Engineering and the Aerospace and Ocean Engineering department, the lab houses up to 12 undergraduate design teams in the areas of rocketry, drone technology, aircraft technology, and turbine energy.
Research Facilities
- Global Navigation Satellite System GNSS Laboratory
- Space Systems Simulation Laboratory
- Aeronomy/Remote Sensing Laboratory
- Advanced Space Computation Laboratory
- SuperDARN Space Weather Radar Facility
- Space Plasma Chamber
- Puri Satellite Ground Network
Research Interests
- Upper Atmospheric and Space Plasma Physics
- Space Weather Investigations
- Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
- Spacecraft Advanced Propulsion Techniques
- Spacecraft Environmental Interactions
- Remote Sensing of the Earth, Sun, Planets, and Astrophysical Bodies
Research Capabilities
- Satellite Mission Design
- Space-based Instrument Development
- Space weather prediction
- Spacecraft Modeling, Simulation, and Design
- Physics-based Modeling, Simulation, and High Performance Computing
- Global Navigation Satellite System Receiver Design
- Remove Sensing from Ground, Stratospheric Balloon, Rocket, and Satellite Platforms
LUMINARY PARTNER IMPACT STORIES
Boeing commits $50 million to innovation campus to become first foundational partner
Transformative investment will help diversify the technology industry and bolster the Washington, D.C., region as a global innovation hub.
Mission accomplished! Satellite built by VT students sent to space aboard Northrop Grumman spacecraft.
The Virginia Tech ThickSat satellite was successfully launched into space aboard the Northrop Grumman Cygnus NG-15 spacecraft in Feb. 2021.
HOKIES IN SPACE
David Lavery '82
Scientist | Robotocist | Nasa Program Executive for Solar System Explorations | Pioneer in Mars Exploration Rovers
Homer Hickam '64
Best Selling Author | Vietnam War Veteran | Former NASA Engineer who trained the first Japanese astronauts
Letitia Long '82
First woman to lead a major US intelligence agency | Considered to be one of the most influential figures in military and national intelligence
Todd Wetzel '92, '93, '96
Senior Director of Test Operations at Blue Origin | Engineering Executive with life-long goal to create technology that will change the world | Inventor with more than 30 registered patents
Carol Carroll '83
Deputy Center Director at NASA Ames Research Center | Winner of the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal | Leading research to support space mission for over 25 years
David Bowles '78, '80, '90
Executive Director at the Virginia Institute for Spaceflight and Autonomy | Former Director of Nasa's Langley Research Center | Active Member of the NASA community for more than 35 years
Mary Davie '88
NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Mission Support Transformation | Winner of the Presidential Rank Meritorious Executive Award
Roger Crouch '68, '71
Astronaut | Former Senior Scientist for the International Space Station | Logged over 471 hours in space | Passionately teaching and inspiring the nect generation of space explorers
Charles Camarda '90
Engineer | Astronaut | Served as Senior Advisor for Engineering Development at NASA Langley Reseach Center | Received more than 21 NASA awards for technical innovations
Randy Spicer ’06, ’07
Staff Engineer at Northrop Grumman | Fulfilling a lifelong dream to work as an aerospace engineer designing spacecraft and rockets
