Funded by the Department of War’s Joint Hypersonics Transition Office, the UCF-led project aims to develop and test a design for a dual-mode, liquid, rotating detonation engine at �����’s brand-new Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center).

The project builds on previous UCF research and may improve energy efficiency and reduce costs for commercial space access and transatlantic travel.

The research is in its early stages, but Ahmed says he’s hopeful this transformative technology will be realized over the course of the project.

“In simple terms, it could propel you at Mach 5 and above.”

“In simple terms, it could propel you at Mach 5 and above,” he says. “It will work like an aircraft engine that ingests air but transitions into a rocket engine that could take you to space or at faster speeds and bring you back into air mode propulsion again.”

Continuing to advance the emerging field of hypersonic travel and build upon previous successes is something Ahmed is looking forward to with his dual-mode detonation engine research.

Ahmed’s proposed engine technology may lend itself to making hypersonic travel possible – meaning that transatlantic travel may be possible in a fraction of the time it takes for conventional aircraft.

“We have significant plans of using that technology for hypersonic travel and other initiatives, reducing cost for commercial space access and making transatlantic travel quicker.”

“We’re very excited about this program because it builds up a lot of the capabilities that we have at the lab with exploring detonation-based propulsion, where we could drive high energy efficiency propelling you at faster speeds and functioning in different modes,” he says. “We have significant plans of using that technology for hypersonic travel and other initiatives, reducing cost for commercial space access and making transatlantic travel quicker.”

For this project, UCF is collaborating with researchers at the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Raytheon Technologies and Pratt & Whitney.

Researcher’s Credentials
Ahmed joined �����’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, part of �����’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, in 2014. He is also a faculty member of the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery, Director of the Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HYPERSPACE Center) and the director of the Propulsion and Energy Research Laboratory. He served more than three years as a senior aero/thermo engineer at Pratt & Whitney military engines working on advanced engine programs and technologies.

He also served as a faculty member at Old Dominion University and Florida State University. ɫ����, he is leading research in propulsion and energy with applications for power generation and gas-turbine engines, propulsion-jet engines, hypersonics and fire safety, as well as research related to supernova science and COVID-19 transmission control. He earned his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is a DoD Distinguished Faculty Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics associate fellow, and a U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and Office of Naval Research faculty fellow.

For this year’s game, the Knights defeated North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 68-7, at Acrisure Bounce House. UCF proudly welcomed distinguished leaders from seven major military commands, celebrating the enduring partnership between UCF and the U.S. Armed Forces. The event served as a powerful reminder of the collaborative spirit that drives innovation, readiness and national defense.

Among the honored guests were:

• Maj. Gen. James E. Smith, representing STARCOM (Space Training and Readiness Command), whose mission is to prepare the U.S. Space Force through cutting-edge education, training and testing.
• Brig. Gen. Christine A. Beeler, leading PEO STRI (Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation), focused on delivering advanced training and information operations capabilities.
• Col. Brian L. Chatman of Launch Delta 45, responsible for managing all space launch operations from the East Coast and ensuring assured access to space.
• Capt. Robert Betts, commanding NAWC TSD (Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division), the Navy’s hub for training system development and inter-service coordination.
• Col. Anthony C. Graham, representing AFAMS (Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation), which enhances operational training through integrated simulation technologies.
• Col. Wynndee M. Young, leading PM TRASYS (Program Manager for Training Systems), dedicated to improving Marine Corps readiness through ground training systems.
• Ivan Martinez, director of STTC (Simulation and Training Technology Center), whose team pioneers simulation technologies to maximize soldier effectiveness.

Their presence at the game underscored the deep ties between UCF and the U.S. Department of Defense, especially in the areas of research, simulation and training. As a university located in the heart of Central Florida’s modeling and simulation corridor, UCF is proud to collaborate with these commands to advance military readiness and innovation.

UCF is nationally recognized for its commitment to helping military and veteran students succeed from enrollment to employment. The university is a Military Friendly Schools honoree, a Military Order of the Purple Heart University, and a Collegiate Purple Star campus. It also ranks No. 8 nationally among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.

From cutting-edge research that supports veterans’ health to academic programs tailored for active-duty personnel, �����’s deep-rooted ties to the military extend far beyond the stadium. These connections strengthen Florida’s communities, empower students and uplift those who serve.

Here are some powerful ways UCF and the military are united year-round.

Fueling the Success of Military-Affiliated Students

UCF has a long history of welcoming and supporting military-affiliated students. More than 3,300, including computer science student Trevor Chandrapaul, are currently enrolled.

Chandrapaul began his studies at Valencia College before taking a five-year detour to serve in the U.S. Navy as a gas turbine systems technician working in the engine room. His time with the Navy shifted his academic interest from physical therapy to computer science and eventually led him to UCF.

“Coming from the military, [I wanted to] continue to serve after [my] service,” he says. “[UCF] is surrounded by so many defense companies, and I felt like it was a good place for me to continue my studies.”

Through the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success, he quickly found community among other veterans. Since 2011, the resource center has offered support and a sense of community to students, faculty and staff veterans on campus. Here, students receive academic and career advising focused on the needs of veterans, as well as guidance on the use and benefits of the GI Bill.

Chandrapaul, like many other military and veteran students, credits the center with making the transition from military life into a university setting smoother.

“I saw how many military veterans actually attended [UCF],” he says. “I reached out to someone at the [Office of Military and Veteran Student Success] and they took the time to talk to me and offer reassurance.”

The UCF campus is also home to Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs that combined have about 170 students preparing to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.

This fall, UCF is also supporting service members through a new academic partnership, called Service to Service, which helps veterans and their families pursue graduate degrees in public service fields — allowing them to leverage their military experience in rewarding new roles. The university is one of 12 universities nationwide — and the only school in Florida and the southeast — that is participating in the pilot program, which is a collaboration with nonprofits The Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans.

Top Talent Pipeline to the Defense Industry

The university has repeatedly been recognized by Aviation Week Network as the nation’s top talent pipeline for students to work in the aerospace and defense industry, meaning a UCF education prepares students well for future success in those industries.

Students learn from world-class faculty who bring exceptional industry and academic experience into the classroom, and �����’s location in Orlando provides many nearby internship and career opportunities.

Among the opportunities UCF students often secure is the Department of Defense’s SMART Scholarship program, which provides STEM students with financial support, a summer internship, an experienced mentor and guaranteed employment with the DOD after graduation.

“I was drawn to the program’s integration of academic advancement with real-world application, especially within the DOD’s infrastructure and research divisions,” says Carlos Arteaga, a master’s in civil engineering student and one of three Knights who received the scholarship this summer. “The opportunity to contribute to national security while deepening my expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering made it an ideal fit.”

In July, Lockheed Martin and UCF expanded a partnership that has been in place for more than 40 years, greatly impacting the State of Florida’s economic prosperity, fueling innovation and strengthening student success.

As part of that agreement, Lockheed Martin will expand investments in the highly successful College Work Experience Program, which since 1981 has provided unrivaled work experiences for more than 10,000 students in engineering, business and many other disciplines — and led to many of those students earning full-time employment with Lockheed Martin.

UCF, Air Force Partner on Hypersonic Technology

World-renowned faculty member Kareem Ahmed and his research team are partnering with the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research to advance the technology that fuels hypersonic travel — at speeds up to 13,000 miles per hour — to help enhance national defense and open up new frontiers in space exploration.

Ahmed, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, has received multiple U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) grants to develop hypersonic technology.

Hypersonic propulsion allows for air travel at speeds of Mach 6 to 17, meaning six to 17 times the speed of sound, or more than 4,600 mph to 13,000 mph.

Advanced hypersonic propulsion systems are a national priority and are essential to maintaining U.S. national defense as global technological advancements continue to evolve.

UCF, Military Advance Modeling and Simulation Technology Together

UCF continues to develop connections with the U.S. military that ensure they benefit from the most advanced technologies and training. These partnerships also strengthen Florida’s high-tech economy, as Orlando is a national hub of the modeling and simulation industry attracting nearly $7 billion in annual contracts.

�����’s Institute for Simulation and Training is the academic leader of the industry. The institute’s partners include the Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation and the Marine Corps Program Manager for Training Systems, among others that are also part of the Team Orlando community.

IST modeling and simulation research in strategic areas such as digital twin, AI, human performance, quantum, and spatial computing has accelerated practical innovations in multiple U.S. Army projects and developed multiple tools that are currently in the hands of personnel in every branch of service. In one of the most recent projects, IST’s researchers partnered with the Army to develop a human digital twin prototype that can be a mission team member supporting the commander in the next generation of combat vehicles.

Regaining Lives Through UCF RESTORES

UCF RESTORES provides clinical treatment services to first responders, front-line medical personnel, military veterans, active-duty military personnel and survivors of mass violence and natural disasters — helping them overcome trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lead fulfilling careers and family lives. The program’s innovative therapy includes elements of virtual reality, with treatment success rates far exceeding the national average.

UCF RESTORES has treated more than 1,900 veterans, active-duty military personnel and first responders.

Clinicians don’t just treat PTSD — they challenge it head on through a model called Trauma Management Therapy, which involves helping patients confront traumatic memories in a safe, structured environment. They do this through customized, immersive virtual reality technology that helps clinicians recreate elements of patients’ unique traumatic experiences.

One-on-one sessions are delivered alongside group therapy — which addresses challenges with anger, sleep, guilt, depression and social isolation — to drive long-term recovery.

Kareem Ahmed, a world expert in hypersonic and space propulsion, is a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and a faculty member of �����’s Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research.

His groundbreaking work includes developing technology that makes a 15-minute flight from coast to coast a future possibility.

Ahmed joins an elite group ɫ���� faculty members to receive the five-year trustee chair appointments, which were created in 2003 to help retain and attract exceptional faculty. The designation carries an annual stipend for honorees to advance their scholarship, part of which can be used as a salary supplement.

, who are evaluated by a trustee chair review committee and affirmed by �����’s president and provost.

“Accomplished and innovative faculty — including those honored as trustee chairs — are the cornerstone of �����’s academic excellence and essential to achieving our vision as Florida’s Premier Engineering and Technology University,” UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright says. “Dr. Ahmed’s bold work is inventing the future of the aerospace and defense industries, inspiring future innovators and generating impact that will be felt for generations.”

Ahmed heads the UCF Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion, which opened last fall to develop technology and innovation aimed at enhancing national defense and fostering new frontiers in space exploration. Beyond advancing faster air and space travel, Ahmed and his team’s research holds promise for enabling lighter, energy-efficient rockets that burn clean fuel and travel farther at a reduced cost.

The U.S. Department of Defense supports Ahmed’s work through multiple research grants, which also offer opportunities for students to prepare for careers in the space industry. Ahmed’s strong record of mentoring and advising encompasses 145 doctoral, master’s and honors undergraduate thesis students who have either graduated or are currently pursuing their degree.

Before joining UCF in 2014, Ahmed was an assistant professor at Old Dominion University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and served as a faculty member at Florida State University. He spent three years as a senior aero/thermo engineer at aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, focusing on military engines and working on advanced engine programs and technologies. Widely published in his field, Ahmed is a fellow of The Combustion Institute, a Department of the Navy Distinguished Faculty Fellow, an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics associate fellow and a U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and Office of Naval Research faculty fellow.

Ahmed earned his doctoral and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University at Buffalo and his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the New York State College at Alfred University.

Whiting is one of only seven geographic combatant commanders, and the visit showcased key research areas and opportunities for collaboration that align with DoD transformative technology and national security research priorities.

UCF recently joined USSPACECOM’s Academic Engagement Enterprise, which allows for further collaboration opportunities with the command.

Whiting began the visit by hearing from several UCF leaders about the university’s unique space-related research endeavors, including Winston V. Schoenfeld, vice president for research and innovation; David Hagan, dean of CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics; Greg Autry, associate provost for space commercialization and strategy; David Metcalf, associate research professor and director of the Mixed Emerging Technology Integration Lab; Stephen Eikenberry, professor of physics and optics and photonics; Tarek Elgohary, associate professor and director of the Astrodynamics, Space and Robotics Laboratory; and Eric “Tubby” Shwedo, assistant vice president for federal relations.

In the introductory briefing, Whiting was exposed to cutting-edge research in areas such as cislunar developments, space photonics, and modeling and simulation.

The visit further exemplifies �����’s track record for advancing meaningful space research, Schoenfeld says.

“Here at UCF, we have a rich history of exceptional research in key defense areas beneficial to USSPACECOM such as hypersonics, optics, cybersecurity, materials science and modeling and simulation — just to name a few,” he says. “Our research in these areas has benefitted from significant DoD support — with more than 30% of our federal funding coming from DoD sources for over a decade. I am excited about the collaborative partnership between UCF and USSPACECOM to further the impact our research activities of direct interest to USSPACECOM.”

After the roundtable introduction, the USSPACECOM delegation visited with �����’s highly regarded ROTC programs — Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 — to see firsthand how UCF is cultivating the officers and leaders of tomorrow.

�����’s AFROTC program, which has been developing officers for the Air Force and Space Force for more than 50 years, has earned the DoD’s ROTC and Educational Institutional Partnership Excellence Award for multiple areas of excellence.

They met with President Alexander N. Cartwright to learn about workforce development and how UCF plays a critical role in supplying quality STEM professionals who are ready to unleash their potential at the crossroads of space and innovation.

The tour concluded with a visit to the newly established Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center) to delve into the groundbreaking aerodynamics, propulsion and hypersonic research being conducted at the unique testing facility.

Kareem Ahmed, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, discussed specialized detonation methods and carefully crafted fuels that can enhance the efficiency and efficacy of propulsion technologies.

The HyperSpace Center stands out as a pioneering research and testing hub dedicated to advancing next-generation technologies in space propulsion and high-speed travel, playing a vital role in shaping the future of space exploration and defense capabilities.

Ahmed’s team has received multiple DoD grants to develop hypersonic technology, which will be capable of traveling at speeds of Mach 6 to 17 (4,600 to 13,000 mph).

Additionally, undergraduate and graduate students working under Ahmed presented projects in specific areas of hypersonic research, including a live demonstration test of one of their experimental engines.

UCF is well-positioned to continue delivering impactful research for the aerospace industry, having recently joined the newly founded Florida University Space Research Consortium. As the state’s official space research entity designated by Space Florida, the consortium will facilitate the awarding of NASA research grants in partnership with Kennedy Space Center.

The USSPACECOM visit to UCF is a culmination of mutual interest, partnerships and prior tours earlier in 2024, such as when USSPACECOM Major General Samuel Keener visited UCF when it hosted NASA’s Lunabotics competition.

The tour included visits with key UCF research centers, such as (IST), , and the Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center).

While Grady toured �����’s defense-related research, his wife, Christine Grady, visited �����’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success; , a clinic dedicated to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and met with UCF Army and Air Force ROTC cadets.

“The visit from Admiral and Mrs. Grady underscores the vital role UCF plays in advancing national security and defense research, supporting critical DOD needs, and preparing the next generation of military leaders,” says Winston V. Schoenfeld, �����’s vice president for research and innovation. “Over 30% of �����’s federal funding has come from the DOD for more than a decade, positioning UCF as a national leader in delivering key innovations to the DOD.”

The Tour

Grady began his visit with a meeting alongside UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright, where they discussed �����’s longstanding commitment to supporting the nation’s defense through cutting-edge research and workforce development.

While with CREOL, Admiral Grady received a briefing on directed energy research and its applications for DOD missions, particularly the capabilities of the Townes Institute for Science and Technology Experimentation Facility. The institute, located at Kennedy Space Center, supports multidisciplinary research with a focus on space science, optics and other advanced technologies.

At IST, UCF showcased the latest advancements in digital twin technology, such as real-time 3D digital twins of structures and areas, and artificial intelligence for DOD-decision making tools.

Grady’s visit to the HyperSpace Center focused on the integration of students into the research process and the timeline for the hypersonic technology, which would allow air travel at speeds of up to 13,000 miles per hour (Mach 17).

Commitment to National Defense and Military Success

UCF is a national leader in supporting military and defense initiatives through education, research and industry partnerships.

�����’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success supports more than 3,200 military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty and dependents, by providing academic advising, transition assistance and tailored guidance.

UCF RESTORES offers innovative, no-cost PTSD treatment for veterans and first responders, with clinical trials achieving a 100% success rate in just 14 days for participants completing VR-assisted exposure therapy. The program has treated more than 500 veterans and 950 first responders, with the majority no longer meeting PTSD criteria.

UCF also boasts top-ranked ROTC programs, with the Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 preparing leaders for military and civilian careers. �����’s AFROTC program, which has been developing officers for the Air Force and Space Force for more than 50 years, has earned the DOD’s ROTC and Educational Institutional Partnership Excellence Award for multiple areas of excellence.

In research, �����’s close ties to the defense industry are amplified through Central Florida Research Park, a $7 billion hub for modeling and simulation adjacent to �����’s main campus, which is also home to six DOD headquarters. UCF also ranks No. 1 in Florida for VA certifications, is leading the nation in the number of cybersecurity championships, and is the top supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries.

Founded in 1963 with the mission to provide talent for Central Florida and the growing U.S. space program, the university’s extensive involvement in space research and education not only drives innovations in space technology but also prepares the next generation of leaders in the field.

With more than 40 active NASA projects totaling more than $67 million in funding, UCF continues to push the frontiers of space research, and its contributions promise to help shape the future of humanity’s presence in the cosmos.

�����’s cutting-edge areas of space expertise include:

Space Medicine

�����’s College of Medicine is pioneering new frontiers in aerospace medicine, positioning itself as a leader in space health research and education. Spearheaded by initiatives to create an interdisciplinary curriculum, UCF is integrating expertise from engineering, medicine and nursing to address the unique health challenges of space exploration.

The college is building on existing research in space health, including innovative studies on the effects of microgravity on bone health, which could lead to improved protection for astronauts. Collaborations across disciplines, such as testing therapeutics for radiation protection and developing antimicrobial solutions for space station environments, highlight �����’s commitment to advancing astronaut health and shaping the future of space medicine.

Space Propulsion and Power

UCF is advancing space propulsion with groundbreaking research that could make space travel more efficient and viable for future missions. Researchers are developing innovative hypersonic propulsion systems, such as rotating detonation rocket engines, which harness high-speed detonations to increase propulsion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption — an advancement that could significantly lower costs and emissions associated with space travel, creating new commercial opportunities in the industry. UCF is taking its hypersonics research even further with its recently launched Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion — the HyperSpace Center.

Additionally, UCF teams are exploring novel power systems for spacecraft venturing far from the sun, where solar energy becomes impractical. With funding from NASA, researchers are creating storable chemical heat sources capable of providing essential heat and power in extreme environments, from the icy surfaces of distant moons to the intense heat of Venus.

Space Technology and Engineering

UCF is forging the future of space technology with innovations that push the boundaries of lunar and deep space exploration. Through advancements in lunar resource utilization, UCF has developed methods to efficiently extract ice from lunar soil so that it can be transformed into vital resources like water and rocket fuel, while new techniques for processing lunar soil drastically reduce construction costs for infrastructure such as landing pads.

UCF researchers are also pioneering 3D-printed bricks made from lunar regolith that withstand extreme space conditions, setting the foundation for resilient off-world habitats. Lunar regolith is the loose dust, rocks and materials that cover the moon’s surface.

�����’s Exolith Lab, part of the , continues to lead in space hardware testing, advancing resource extraction and lunar construction technologies. Meanwhile, FSI’s CubeSat program is opening new doors in space exploration with compact, affordable satellites that give students and researchers access to microgravity and beyond.

Space Commercialization

UCF’s new space commercialization program — led by , College of Business professor of practice and associate provost for space commercialization and strategy — positions the university as a leader in space-related business education.

Autry will guide the college’s efforts to deliver Executive and MBA programs in space commercialization, driving curriculum development and establishing space-focused programs that equip students to lead in the growing commercial space industry.

In addition to the space commercialization program, Autry will be working with external stakeholders, including NASA, the U.S. Space Force and commercial firms like Blue Origin, SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, to develop opportunities to advance mutual interests in space.

This includes working with Kennedy Space Center to lead a State University System partnership with the state of Florida to develop the necessary talent to maintain and expand Florida’s leadership in space exploration and commercialization.

Autry will also be leading �����’s effort to develop and execute a roadmap for the university’s SpaceU brand through targeted investments in talent and facilities.

Space Domain Awareness

UCF is advancing space domain awareness research to protect critical assets in orbit by developing sophisticated algorithms for tracking and predicting the movement of objects such as satellites and asteroids, so they don’t collide with spacecraft. Under the guidance of aerospace engineering expert Tarek Elgohary, UCF researchers are creating a computational framework to rapidly and accurately track space objects in real time. This initiative is backed by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research Dynamic Data and Information Process Program.

UCF is also addressing the growing issue of orbital debris through a NASA-funded study that includes researchers from �����’s FSI and . This project seeks to increase public awareness and support for managing space debris, a hazard to satellites and potential space tourism ventures.

Workforce Development

UCF is propelling students toward dynamic careers in the space industry with hands-on programs and sought-after internship opportunities. Through the new engineering graduate certificate in electronic parts engineering, developed in collaboration with NASA, students are gaining essential skills in testing and evaluating space-ready electronic components — a key advantage for aspiring space professionals.

Additionally, UCF students can benefit from hands-on internships at Kennedy Space Center, where they gain real-world experience in various fields, from engineering to project management.

At the , students gain direct experience in microgravity research and robotics. The center embodies �����’s commitment to democratizing space access, offering pathways for students from all backgrounds to participate in and contribute to the growing space industry.

FSI’s CubeSat program further immerses students in satellite design and operation, offering direct involvement in active space missions.

Planetary Science

UCF’s planetary science program is driving breakthroughs in space exploration with projects spanning the moon, Mars and beyond. The NASA-funded Lunar-VISE mission, led by UCF, will explore the Gruithuisen domes on the far side of the moon to understand their volcanic origins, potentially unlocking insights crucial for future space exploration.

Complementing this, UCF researchers are contributing to NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer mission, which will map water ice deposits on the moon — an essential resource for sustained stays in space. On another front, UCF scientists are studying dust behavior in microgravity through experiments that flew on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, potentially leading to strategies for mitigating lunar dust, a challenge for electronics and equipment on future missions.

Expanding its reach beyond the moon, �����’s planetary science research involves asteroid studies, including the high-profile OSIRIS-REx mission to asteroid Bennu and examining seismic wave propagation in simulated asteroid materials to understand asteroid evolution and early planetary formation. UCF is also home to the , a node of NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute, which facilitates NASA’s exploration of deep space by focusing its goals at the intersection of surface science and surface exploration of rocky, atmosphereless bodies.

Additionally, UCF researchers are studying trans-Neptunian objects and using the James Webb Space Telescope to explore the solar system’s outer reaches, analyzing ancient ices to uncover clues about the solar system’s history, while also investigating exoplanets to advance our understanding of other planets and to search for life beyond Earth.

In parallel, UCF researchers are also advancing bold ideas for terraforming Mars through nanoparticle dispersion to create warming effect, making the Red Planet potentially more habitable.

UCF researchers have also contributed their expertise to multiple high-profile NASA missions, including Cassini, Mars Pathfinder, Mars Curiosity, and New Horizons.

Advancing Astrophotonics, History and Policy

�����’s space research spans pioneering astrophotonics technology, studies in space history and critical analyses in space policy, each offering unique insights into the universe. The within CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics, is pushing the boundaries of photonics and astronomy, using tools like photonic lanterns, fiber optics, and hyperspectral imaging to detect cosmic phenomena and address profound questions about dark energy.

Meanwhile, delves into space history, exploring the cultural and scientific impacts of milestones like the Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle program, helping illuminate humanity’s journey into space.

The contributes to this comprehensive approach with its broad studies of space policy, both domestically and internationally, including examining military space policy and rising space powers. The work involves studying space law, international agreements, and policy frameworks that guide space activities, which is essential for addressing the governance and strategic planning needed for space exploration and utilization.

Pioneering Tomorrow’s Space Exploration

UCF is pushing the frontiers of space research and education, tackling today’s challenges while preparing for the demands of future space missions. As the new space race continues, �����’s forward-thinking approach will continue to drive progress, inspire new possibilities and expand humanity’s reach into the universe.

UCF hosted the symposium on its main campus and co-organized the event with the University of South Florida and the Florida High Tech Corridor.

The symposium brought together some of the best minds in Florida to equip them with the skills and knowledge to successfully engage with DoD.

Additionally, the symposium featured presentations and lectures by distinguished speakers on opportunities within various DoD agencies, strategies for creating winning proposals, building effective relationships between research faculty and DoD officers, identifying and cultivating critical fields for research and development, poster presentations and faculty lightning talks. The research and collaboration discussion focused on artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, modeling and simulation, space technologies, and lasers and optics.

Participants included local and federal defense agency representatives and officers from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Army Research Office (ARO), and the U.S. Special Operations Command.

Attendees also had plenty of opportunities to bolster their connections with each other between panels, during breaks and in networking sessions.

UCF Vice President for Research and Innovation Winston Schoenfeld mirrored President Alexander N. Cartwright’s sentiments in his introductory speech by highlighting UCF and Florida’s track record for fostering meaningful research.

“Here at UCF, we have a rich history of exceptional research in key defense areas such as hypersonics, optics, directed energy, cybersecurity, [AI], and modeling and simulation — just to name a few,” Schoenfeld said to attendees on the second day of the symposium. “Our research in these areas has benefitted from significant DoD support — with more than 30% of our federal funding coming from DoD sources for over a decade.”

He also encouraged attendees to take advantage of the opportunities at the symposium.

“With a deep well of talent, expertise, and interdisciplinary research, Florida academic institutions are uniquely positioned to address the emerging needs and challenges of security and defense,” Schoenfeld said. “This symposium will help ensure that we harness this across our institutions through greater awareness and stronger alignment with the nation’s defense priorities.”

Sylvia Wilson Thomas, USF vice president for research and Innovation, also echoed Schoenfeld’s desire for collaboration.

“There’s an opportunity for us to make a unique impact across the defense industry,” she said. “We want the program officers here to embrace what we have to offer.”

The symposium was well-received, and organizers are hopeful it will become a regular event, said Saiful Khondaker, UCF assistant vice president for research advancement.

“It was wonderful to see so many faculty and program officers coming together,” he said. “The promise of continuing to advance our partnerships and developing critical technologies is exciting. With the success of this symposium, we’re optimistic we can bring everyone together again and keep the momentum going.”

Learn more information about the FDSTS .

UCF launched the Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion — HyperSpace Center for short — on Wednesday alongside leaders of the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, one of the university’s main partners in hypersonic research.

The HyperSpace Center will advance the research and innovations of world-renowned faculty members like Kareem Ahmed, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, whose team has received multiple U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) grants to develop hypersonic technology.

“What we create here and across UCF will define the aerospace and defense industries for generations.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright and Col. Janelle T.H. Jackson, deputy director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and detachment 14 commander, spoke at the launch ceremony at the new center in the Central Florida Research Park adjacent to the UCF main campus. They were joined by U.S. Reps. Darren Soto and Daniel Webster and State Rep. Susan Plasencia.

“What we create here and across UCF will define the aerospace and defense industries for generations,” Cartwright says. “UCF has always been an institution for people who have dared to invent a better future. We are also an institution that recognizes no one builds the future alone.

It takes strong partnerships, shared vision, and a relentless commitment to be bold together. UCF and the Air Force have an incredible history of collaboration, and I am excited about our dedication to continuing to build, innovate, and lead together.”

Col. Jackson celebrated the significance of the HyperSpace Center bringing together the DOD, UCF  and cutting-edge technology.

“Today, the ɫ���� is not only opening a new, top-notch facility where leading-edge research in hypersonics and space propulsion will take place,” Col. Jackson says. “You are also opening doors and opportunities to students from various backgrounds.”

“They are gaining the opportunity to realize their dreams, to work towards expanding the scientific frontier and disciplines that are of great importance to the Department of Defense and also to the larger DoD ecosystem. The hyperspace hub is a place where these students can become the thought leaders and problem solvers of tomorrow.”

Ahmed’s research team includes 40 graduate students and 25 undergraduates. The team’s research will transition from other labs on campus into the new facility and will benefit from a unique and upgraded testing environment for hypersonic materials, aerodynamics and propulsion. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has supported Ahmed’s team through multiple research grants.

Hypersonic propulsion allows for air travel at speeds of Mach 6 to 17, meaning six to 17 times the speed of sound, or more than 4,600 to 13,000 mph.

Advanced hypersonic propulsion systems are a national priority and are essential to maintaining U.S. national defense as global technological advancements continue to evolve. High-speed propulsion research requires hypersonic facilities that can generate the representative flight Mach numbers.

For space travel, hypersonic technology holds promise for opening up the boundaries of space exploration as it fuels flights through the Earth’s atmosphere at very high speeds and allows for safe and efficient entries and exits through planetary atmospheres.

On Earth, flying at hypersonic speeds means going from New York to London in less than 15 minutes — making it much more convenient to travel to close an important business deal, attend a best friend’s wedding or see a bucket-list sporting event.

Ahmed’s research holds promise in all of those areas — and also is preparing students on his team to be innovators and leaders in the field after they graduate, demonstrating why UCF is both Florida’s premier engineering and technology university, and the nation’s No. 1 supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industry for six years in a row, according to Aviation Week Network.

“It’s important that UCF lead this research, primarily because of the student talent that we have,” Ahmed says. “Industry is interested in our top talent. Once they graduate, they are already hired by industry, pretrained on the topics they would explore and they become the next generation of leaders in this technology.”

The DoD is providing more than $20 million in funding to support Ahmed’s research, including for developing the first hypersonic rotating detonation rocket engine and creating a morphing hypersonic engine.

�����’s longstanding partnership with the U.S. Air Force extends beyond hypersonics.

“�����’s history, and our commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, have helped to position us as Florida’s premier engineering and technology university.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

UCF and Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 were recipients of the DoD ROTC and Educational Institution Partnership Excellence Award in 2021-22, when the UCF Air Force ROTC program ranked first out of 145 nationwide.

The Air Force also has funded other UCF research projects outside of hypersonics, including how to make semiconductors immune to radiation from the sun and other celestial bodies and also how to ensure reliability and design consistency in semiconductors.

“�����’s history, and our commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, have helped to position us as Florida’s premier engineering and technology university,” Cartwright says. “Our geographic location — surrounded by industries eager to collaborate on research and workforce development — puts UCF in a unique position to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

We are thinking beyond theory … we are establishing the foundation for revolutionary technology and innovation that will shape both the defense and civilian sectors.”