In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing hypersonic research, undergraduate students at the University of Virginia (UVA) are preparing to send their innovative design, a foot-long miniature spacecraft called HEDGE—short for Hypersonic ReEntry Deployable Glider Experiment—aboard a NASA rocket this upcoming August. This pioneering effort represents not only a significant leap in aerospace engineering but also embodies the potential for substantial cost savings in future atmospheric reentry studies, which can traditionally run into the millions of dollars per test flight. The HEDGE project is a crucial step toward opening new avenues in hypersonic research, where existing methodologies are either limited to complex computer simulations or prohibitively expensive flight testing.
Under the guidance of Professor Christopher Goyne, who heads the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UVA and directs the UVA Aerospace Research Laboratory, this capstone design course for fourth-year mechanical and aerospace students marks a pivotal moment in their academic journey and professional development. Goyne’s collaboration with esteemed agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense underscores the significance of this educational venture, equipping the next generation of engineers with practical experience in real-world applications that could redefine aerospace exploration strategies.
HEDGE is designed to gather reentry data that could inform and enhance the design of full-scale hypersonic aircraft. The hypersonic regime, characterized by speeds exceeding Mach 5, presents unique challenges, including extreme temperature variations and intense aerodynamic forces. The successful execution of this mission hinges on the precise ejection and stabilization of HEDGE once it is launched from the rocket. The students have meticulously engineered the glider to deploy stabilizing fins within a mere 10 seconds after ejection, ensuring it maintains aerodynamic stability even as it glides back toward Earth. This innovative lift-to-drag configuration is crucial for sustainment of hypersonic flight, leveraging both the rocket’s altitude and gravitational forces.
The HEDGE glider encapsulates a research satellite known as a CubeSat, which acts as the core for the glider, contributing invaluable data while functioning neither in orbit nor in isolation but instead descending through the Earth’s atmosphere. The CubeSat plays a critical role in data transmission, relaying information regarding temperature, pressure, and positional data at a rapid pace of every half second until it splashes down into the Atlantic Ocean—approximately 5.5 minutes post-ejection. This aspect of the design not only highlights the ingenuity of the students involved but also reflects their deep understanding of aerospace engineering principles in practice.
Working collaboratively, the students have divided into specialized teams, each focusing on a crucial aspect of the project. The complexity of HEDGE’s design demands diverse expertise, covering structures and integration, avionics and software, power as well as thermal management, and even trajectory stabilization. This multi-faceted approach mirrors real-life aerospace engineering environments, preparing each student to navigate various technical challenges through teamwork and shared knowledge. Their collaboration exemplifies the holistic nature of engineering, where myriad components must work in harmony to create a successful outcome.
As they prepare for their singular opportunity to test HEDGE, the team faces a stringent series of preflight checks mandated by NASA to validate both the design and functionality of their hardware and software systems. This gravitational context for the experiment introduces an entirely new layer of complexity, where precision becomes paramount. The successful communication of data from the CubeSat upon ejection will serve as a definitive indicator of the mission’s success, demonstrating their ability to glean essential insights regarding hypersonic flight dynamics.
The implications of collecting verified atmospheric data during a hypersonic ascent could extend far beyond academic boundaries. If successful, this experiment could pave the way for enhancing research capabilities, enabling accessibility for other educational institutions to engage directly with the challenges presented by hypersonic technology. Such advancements hold the potential to enrich a wide array of applications, from national security protocols to commercial aerospace endeavors, propelling the field forward in ways previously thought unattainable.
The financial backing that the HEDGE team has received places emphasis on the importance of industry-academic partnerships. Significant contributions from organizations such as Systems Planning & Analysis, the Jefferson Trust, and UVA Engineering underscore a collective recognition of the critical role that educational initiatives play in driving advancements in engineering. This support not only funds the HEDGE project but also expands the possibilities for future aerospace innovations by nurturing young talent who are keen to tackle the pressing challenges of today’s technological landscape.
In recognizing the commitment and tenacity of the students involved, Professor Goyne highlighted, “The support from our stakeholders has been wonderful, and it reflects the expertise of our students as they take on this complex problem.” Their journey toward space not only tests the boundaries of engineering design but also serves as a testament to the capabilities unleashed when the realms of education and practical application intersect.
As the launch date approaches, the anticipation within the team builds. Each member reflects on the potential impact this project could have on future research and development within the hypersonic domain. For fourth-year aerospace engineering student Luke Dropulic, the excitement is palpable. Having previously interned with NASA, he comprehends the importance of their endeavor. The analytical skills and innovative thinking they have honed throughout their education will soon be put to the ultimate test.
The launch of HEDGE signifies more than just the aspirations of a group of dedicated students; it encapsulates the exhilarating convergence of engineering education, real-world experimentation, and community support. As they stand on the brink of this monumental endeavor, the students embody the innovative spirit that drives the field of aerospace engineering forward, expressing their hope to inspire future generations to pursue and expand upon research that addresses our most pressing aerial challenges.
Their collective dream of transforming aerospace research during hypersonic flight reaffirms the significance of the educational experience, reflecting a broader commitment to tackling global challenges through science and technology. However, it is the anticipation and readiness to embrace the unknown that truly fuels their passion for exploration and innovation, setting the stage for advancements in the field of aerospace engineering well into the future.
Through this pioneering experiment, the UVA team is not just preparing for a singular launch; they are actively participating in a test of creativity, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge that defines human exploration. The eyes of the physics-defying world are upon them as they embark on this historic journey into the upper atmosphere, ready to unlock new dimensions in hypersonic technology, and leave their indelible mark on the future of aerospace engineering.
Subject of Research: Hypersonic ReEntry Deployable Glider Experiment (HEDGE)
Article Title: UVA Engineering Students Prepare for Groundbreaking Test Flight of HEDGE Glider on NASA Rocket
News Publication Date: October 18, 2023
Web References: N/A
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Image Credits: HEDGE/UVA Engineering image
Keywords
Hypersonic flight, aerospace engineering, UVA, NASA, CubeSat, payload, data transmission, atmospheric reentry, experimental research, glider, engineering education, industry partnership.
