“At the boundary of space, there’s still enough residual atmosphere that a spacecraft traveling at hypersonic speeds is going to be slowed down by the atmosphere, and it needs a propulsion system to keep it aloft, otherwise those collisions with residual air will deorbit your spacecraft very quickly,” said Elaine Petro, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in Cornell Engineering. “And there’s no good propulsion solutions right now to do that.”

"Elaine Petro, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Cornell, is principal investigator for the institute’s propulsion modeling subteam, which consists of collaborators across the universities of Michigan and Colorado Boulder. Together they will develop comprehensive numerical models of the operation of the electric thrusters."

In recognition of the sesquicentennial of mechanical engineering at Cornell, this special episode of the podcast delves into the Sibley School’s history of pioneering work.

Dr. Zach Ulibarri becomes one of two early career scientists at Cornell and eight postdoctoral fellows nationwide to receive this highly distinguished award.

Dr. Zach Ulibarri becomes one of eight post-doctoral fellows across the country to receive this highly prestigious award.

Prof. Petro comments on reusable rockets, electric versus chemical propulsion, and ways to inspire more students, especially women, to pursue careers in the space industry.

Professors Elaine Petro and Mason Peck have launched a new podcast called "Spaceflight Mechanics".

As part of Cornell’s celebration of National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2023, Zach Ulibarri received this prestigious award.  

Prof. Petro selected along with 58 researchers nationally to receive this prestigious and highly competitive award.

Rafid Bendimerad interviewed on his research work, the implications of being awarded the 2022 Africa Fund Fellowship, and his extracurricular interests.

Prof. Elaine Petro interviewed on whether we are getting closer to find out if there is life in space. 

Jordan Sandell interviewed on her research work with Prof. Elaine Petro at ASTRALab and on her overall experience at Cornell as an undergraduate student.

A feature on Cornell's newest spacecraft design program: the Cornell SmallSat Mission Design School (SMDS) which launched in Summer 2021.

Prof. Elaine Petro interviewed on commercial space travel and space tourism in 2021 and beyond.

An overview of the work under way in ASTRAlab, one of Cornell's newest space technology labs.

Prof. Petro and ASTRAlab participate in Cornell's first Space Tech Industry Day.

Prof. Elaine Petro joins the faculty of the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in July 2020.