The Overview — Architecting
Fueling the next generation of aerospace engineers
Architecting
The deliberate planning and design of complex systems, shaping the framework and components for future missions and innovations.
Welcome to the latest edition of The Overview! This week's edition, Architecting, explores strategic planning and innovative designs shaping aerospace's future. In this issue, we’ll delve into several exciting stories:
🚀 Dive into Alec’s story as he shares his experiences with the NASA RASC-AL competition, detailing his four years designing, leading, and advising deep space architectures. Discover the purpose and impact of this unique competition and learn how you can get involved!
🎙️ Tune into our second podcast episode featuring Alexandra Haraszti, a PhD student at Stanford who wrote this excellent article a few weeks ago. She returns to discuss her journey into spacecraft origami, sharing insights on kirigami, Miura folds, and practical applications like self-assembling structures and swarm robotics!
🗞️ In the latest aerospace news, a rocket accidentally takes off during static fire testing, highlighting the challenges in aerospace engineering.
🚀 Personal Experience
Architecting Space Systems for the Moon, Mars, and Beyond
Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Shuttle, and the International Space Station. Legendary space programs that inspired millions, were enabled by thousands, and followed a framework defined by a select few. Although the latter responsibility may seem out of reach for those of us just getting started in the aerospace industry, a NASA competition named RASC-AL provides students a unique opportunity to architect their own framework for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
RASC-AL, or Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts Academic Linkage, is a prestigious university-level competition that challenges students to design innovative space systems. This competition offers a platform for aspiring aerospace engineers to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world problems, fostering creativity and practical skills.
Hear Alec Auster, a recent UIUC college graduate now working at a space startup, as he explains:
What is RASC-AL? Discover the purpose and impact of this unique competition!
His four years designing, leading, and advising deep space architectures 🌕🌌
How and why you should consider participating in the competition yourself! 💪🏆
Explore how you could help lay the foundation of future space missions and become part of the next generation of aerospace pioneers in the full article below!
🎙️ The Overview Podcast
Podcast #2: Alexandra Haraszti, Space Origamist
Our podcast is back with a special treat—we’ve got an amazing guest, Alexandra Haraszti, a first-year PhD student at Stanford! A few months ago, she wrote an article on How to Fold a Spacecraft, and now she's back to discuss her journey into spacecraft origami.
In this episode, Alexandra shares insights on kirigami, Miura folds, and origami from experts like Robert Lang. We also explore practical applications like self-assembling structures, swarm robotics, and the Starshade project. Tune in on all platforms (Spotify, Apple, or YouTube) for an inspiring discussion at the intersection of art and aerospace engineering!
🗞️ Aerospace News
Rocket Accidentally Takes Off During Static Fire
Sometimes, we need a strong reminder of everything that can go wrong when dealing with the harsh aerospace engineering environment. Space Pioneer, a successful Chinese company based in Beijing, recently had a serious mishap while static fire testing their Tianlong-3 rocket. The “hold-downs,” which normally keep a rocket attached to the ground as the engines are tested, failed. And the rocket that was supposed to be ground-testing unexpectedly took off and came crashing down. This result was catastrophic, with a large explosion that was close to a populated area. It’s a constant reminder that space is hard, and as aerospace engineers, we must meticulously analyze our designs, builds, and tests.
💬 Quote of the Week
"Scientists study the world as it is, engineers create the world that never has been." — Theodore von Kármán
We hope Alec and Alexandra have inspired you to think creatively about the future of aerospace engineering and explore new possibilities for innovation.
Thanks for reading The Overview—The Architecting edition. We're excited to hear your thoughts—what groundbreaking topics or cutting-edge innovations are you most eager to see in our upcoming issues? Share your ideas and help architect the future of our newsletter! 😊
Stellar vibes,
Alec, Alexandra, Harry, Tagg, Anshuk, Maggie, Isaac ✨