Sustainability in space: Can you teach old satellites new tricks?
EARTH MONTH: Researchers at USC Viterbi’s Information Sciences Institute are looking at how to reuse existing satellites by giving them new jobs.
Working at the intersection of mechanical engineering, biology and material science
Neda Maghsoodi, assistant professor in the USC Viterbi Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, is equally committed to creating a culture of human flourishing.
First 3D-printed rocket, created by Trojan engineers, soars into the upper atmosphere
The co-founders of Relativity Space eye their next big steps: investing in space startups and reaching Earth orbit.
USC works with Polaris Dawn to study in-flight space medicine
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC have designed a study, to be conducted during the upcoming space mission, that tests a new way to collect X-rays in outer space.
USC Viterbi team reaches for the sky in annual design/build/fly competition
Sure, the Trojans set out to win, but they also built lifelong friendships — and gained a huge competitive edge as they looked for their first jobs after graduation.
Actor, pilot and engineer: USC Viterbi senior does it all
From gymnastics to the U.S. Air Force ROTC, USC senior Natalie Smith built her life on asking, “Why not?”
USC launches its third satellite into space
Satellite Dodona — built by USC Viterbi students and faculty as part of SpaceX’s Smallsat Rideshare Program — hitched a ride on the launch firm’s Transporter 3 mission this week.
Could 3D paper be a sustainable alternative to plastic?
Mechanical engineering student Aidan Leitch hopes his technique of using recycled paper to form solid objects can open doors to environmentally friendly plastic replacements.
Want your lithium batteries to last longer? Maybe stretching them could help
USC researchers have applied fundamental mechanics to help increase battery storage capacity and lifespan.
Electric propulsion: The future of sustainable aviation
USC researchers have been awarded a new NASA grant to make air travel cleaner, greener and more adaptable.
USC Alumni Explore Space to Unlock the Origins of the Galaxy — and Life Itself
From peering into deep space to looking for signs of life on Mars, Trojans are going where no human has gone before.
USC students shine in aerospace design challenge
Fifty-three USC Viterbi freshmen impressed judges with their unique designs at the 2021 Boeing Freshman Design Challenge.
To operate robots under water, look to sea stars
USC researchers find sea stars’ shape plays an important role in their ability to withstand dynamic water forces and remain attached to surfaces, a discovery that could translate to robotics.
What if silent heart attacks could be diagnosed at home?
USC researchers are creating a new approach to detecting heart attacks that will allow patients to get potentially lifesaving treatment earlier.
Big waves, big controversy: USC scientist helps settle debate over tallest wave surfed in 2020
USC wave expert Adam Fincham assembled a team to bring a little science to a big-wave contest, with bragging rights and prize money on the line.
Imagine a world where your devices worked all day
Ananya Renuka Balakrishna, a new assistant professor at USC Viterbi, is researching ways to create batteries with longer lifespans.
COVID-era makeover at USC Viterbi’s Biegler Hall enhances lab coursework
The third floor Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering lab was reconfigured to offer students an interactive, yet safer experience.
Shock waves might offer the jolt needed to reach Mars
USC researchers find that applying shock waves can improve fluid mixing in supersonic combustion engines, paving the way for flights at speeds five times the speed of sound.
Was there life on Mars? USC experts explore the upcoming NASA mission
With the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover about to launch, USC professors explain what we know about the planet already and what this latest mission can teach us.
USC alum helps Mexican beach town survive COVID-19
Travis Mendoza went to La Peñita to build a hotel. When the pandemic struck, he shifted his focus toward building a community.
What if airplanes could repair their own damage?
USC researchers 3D-printed the next-generation of high strength, lightweight structures that can autonomously heal impact damage.
What if cell service were portable?
USC students launch Beamlink to provide the first ultraportable, low-cost cellular base station for disaster relief and rural connectivity.
Catching semiconductor defects before they multiply
USC and IBM researchers are using deep learning to identify manufacturing issues before they spread, reducing wasted time, money and materials.
Adaptive therapy based on Darwin’s evolutionary principles could help fight cancer
Computational models developed by USC researchers indicate that keeping tumor cells in competition can lead to more effective cancer treatments.