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NASA has selected another five university teams to participate in real-world aviation research challenges that could help transform flight in the skies above our communities.
Research topics range from safeguarding automated aircraft from cyberattacks to finding ways to help aircraft operations across the nation more quickly recover from delays due to major storms or technical problems.
"The idea is to give students, faculty and their partners the chance to conduct research - both physical and digital - that helps us realize our vision for 21st century aviation that is sustainable and offers more diverse air travel options," said Koushik Datta, University Innovation project manager for NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.
The University Innovation project includes two efforts through which universities are invited to submit research proposals and from which teams are then selected: the University Leadership Initiative (ULI) and the University Student Research Challenge (USRC).
A key ULI goal is for faculty-led student teams to gain experience by participating in aeronautics research on a multidisciplinary team made up of partners from other universities and industry, including faculty and student populations who are underrepresented or have not applied their skills to aviation problems.
Meanwhile, in addition to conducting technical research, student-led USRC teams help them develop skills in entrepreneurship and public communication. Each team of students selected receives a USRC grant from NASA - and the additional challenge of raising funds from the public through student-led crowdfunding.
ULI makes selections once a year, while USRC manages multiple selection cycles each year, with proposals for the next selection cycle due by 5 p.m. EDT on March 21. Visit the NASA Aeronautics Solicitations page
