RIFT Student Lead: Hailey Choi Student Team Members: Hailey Choi, Nohora Diaz, Jack Hanna, Carter Maciejewski, Adam Stanley, Tiaron Starrine Faculty: Dr. Karl Siebold and Dr. Matthew Haslam This project seeks to explore a new method for collecting geologically representative samples from metallic (M-type) asteroids using laser-based excavation. These asteroids are believed to be the exposed cores of early planets and contain high concentrations of iron, nickel, and platinum-group metals, yet their true composition remains unverified because no mission has returned a physical sample. Metallic asteroids are expected to have solid, metal-rich surfaces rather than loose regolith, making conventional drilling or coring techniques ineffective in microgravity where anchoring and reaction forces pose major challenges. The proposed technique uses a focused laser to cut converging layers that isolate a large, intact section of subsurface material while minimizing debris generation. To ensure meaningful scientific value, the targeted sample dimensions align with ASTM standards for geological representativeness, capturing material less affected by surface alteration. Two laboratory systems were developed to validate this method. The Positioning Test Stand demonstrates semi- autonomous, layered laser cutting sequences using a three-axis gantry and precision control software. The Displacement Test Stand, which evaluates gas-driven displacement of molten material into porous asteroid analog geometry to address concerns related to slag (molten metal) accumulation and re-solidification. Together, these experiments provide early physical evidence that controlled laser excavation can produce representative subsurface samples and inform future metallic asteroid sample-return missions.
ME 407: PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR ROBOTIC SYSTEMS
AEROFILL AUTOMATION Student Lead: Noah Temperendola Student Team Members: Owen Dyer, Anika Ginger, Alexis Hall, Dutch Lely, Aliya Takano, Noah Temperendola Faculty: Dr. Mehran Andalibi and Dr. Richard Mangum AeroFill Automation is a senior design project sponsored by IronTree Solutions, a company that develops agricultural equipment. The project focuses on automating the refilling of a crop dusting helicopter on a mobile landing platform to improve safety and efficiency in agricultural operations. Helicopters play a vital role in agriculture by applying fertilizers, pesticides and frost protectants across large fields. They can refuel and refill chemicals on mobile platforms such as trucks or trailers that can travel between job sites. While effective, this process still requires operators to climb ladders, handle heavy hoses and manually connect fuel and chemical lines—tasks that are physically demanding, time-consuming and potentially hazardous. Hazards can include risks such as falling, entrapment under the heavy hoses and rotor wash. Safety and operational efficiency are the core priorities driving this project. The AeroFill system integrates with IronTree Solutions’ mobile refilling trailer and the Bell UH-1H helicopter to perform autonomous fuel and chemical transfers at the pilot’s command. AeroFill aims to make the refilling process safer, faster and less expensive.
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
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