Parker R
- Research Program Mentor
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Expertise
Space propulsion, space exploration, plasma physics, optics and lasers
Project ideas
1. (Beginner Engineering Paper) Analysis of Low-Thrust Trajectories for Space Exploration
In this project, your goal would be to investigate the trade-off between thrust and specific impulse (fuel efficiency) for propulsion on different space missions. After learning to perform a literature review of the relevant types and key physics of spacecraft propulsion, you could develop a computational simulation of spacecraft trajectories to a given target in the solar system for different propulsion architectures. This work could consider the benefits and drawbacks of various space power systems, including solar and nuclear power. The final article would include analysis of the trade-offs between required fuel mass, travel time, and other relevant factors.