Columbia University's RASC-AL History: A Legacy of Aerospace Innovation
Columbia University's participation in the NASA-sponsored RASC-AL (Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts - Academic Linkage) competition showcases a commitment to aerospace engineering and innovation. While the university's involvement is relatively recent, the teams have consistently demonstrated ingenuity and collaborative spirit, achieving remarkable success in a short period.
RASC-AL at Columbia: A Budding Tradition
Columbia University has made significant strides in the RASC-AL competition. The teams advanced to the finals in Cocoa Beach, Florida. This consistent success underscores the dedication and talent within Columbia's engineering programs.
2016: The Advanced Lunar-Mars Architecture (ALMA)
In 2016, the Columbia team focused on the Reusable Hybrid Propulsion Stage challenge, developing the Advanced Lunar-Mars Architecture (ALMA). This ambitious project involved designing a reusable, refuelable in-space stage that utilized both electric and chemical engines. The stage was envisioned to transport a 50-metric-ton payload from cis-lunar space to Mars orbit and back.
The development of ALMA began with a structured approach, delegating subsystems to individual team members. Each member specialized in a specific area, such as thermal control, trajectory analysis, or communications systems. The first semester was dedicated to extensive research, conducting trade studies, and identifying technologies and techniques that would optimize the design.
A unique aspect of the 2016 project was the collaboration with the University of Minnesota, who provided the refuelling architecture for ALMA. This remote partnership presented challenges in communication and coordination but ultimately proved beneficial. The collaboration not only saved money and increased efficiency but also provided valuable lessons in teamwork and remote collaboration. The Columbia-UMN partnership stood out in the competition, as it was the only successful one that advanced to the finals.
Read also: Columbia University Legacy
As deadlines for the abstract, mid-project review, and final paper approached, the team integrated their individual research into a cohesive paper and presentation. With each submission, the sections were refined, incorporating more specifics, analysis, and new considerations such as budget and risk mitigation strategies. The team received the exciting news that they were going to NASA!
The presentation at NASA, despite a minor hiccup with an outdated version, was well-received. The judges provided valuable feedback that the team could use to enhance future designs. The RASC-AL experience extended beyond the technical aspects. The team enjoyed spending time on the beach, bonding with each other, and networking with other teams. A tour of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, including the Space Station Processing Facility, Swampworks, and the Saturn V center, was a highlight of the trip.
The team highlighted the invaluable technical experience and opportunities, especially for a group composed primarily of freshmen and sophomores. The close-knit nature of the RASC-AL group was also a significant aspect of the experience. Team members formed strong friendships through game nights, volleyball matches, and even a memorable baking attempt. The diverse academic backgrounds of the team members, ranging from mechanical engineering to English, demonstrated the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.
The team planned on reflecting on the judges’ feedback and conversations with other schools as they prepared for the next RASC-AL challenge. Team leaders planned to conduct a post-mortem analysis to identify areas for improvement.
Subsequent Years: Mars Ice Challenge and LEO Lion
Building upon the success of ALMA, Columbia's RASC-AL teams continued to tackle innovative projects. One notable endeavor was the development of the Lion Piercer, a Mars ice drill designed to extract subsurface water. The drill system featured an overburden extraction auger to clear the path to the ice and an ice extraction drill to collect the ice for melting. A gantry system mounted atop a simulated ice box environment moved both drills.
Read also: Opportunities at Columbia University
The LEO Lion design, a commercially-enabled LEO / Mars habitable module featuring innovative technology and new commercial applications in space, was selected to move on to the semifinals. Despite not being selected as finalists in the RASC-AL Mars Ice Challenge, the team received funding to begin building Lion Piercer.
The team submitted their abstract to the RASC-AL competition with the goal of submitting a mid-project review paper.
Columbia's RASC-AL Application Process: Grants and Contracts
Columbia University has a specific process for RASC-AL applications, involving the Office of Grants & Contracts. The Office of Grants & Contracts must review and sign off all applications at least 5 days before the agency submission deadline. The application, budget, and RASC-AL data sheet must be submitted for review. A RASC-AL protocol must be created on the Grants and Contracts module. It is important to note that only faculty can be the principal investigator of record in RASC-AL. The university uses RASC-AL as an internal tracking system. NIH proposals and budgets must be processed in InfoEd.
Key Takeaways
Columbia University's RASC-AL journey demonstrates the power of:
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Students from diverse academic backgrounds can come together to create innovative solutions.
- Hands-on Experience: The competition provides invaluable technical experience and opportunities for students, particularly undergraduates.
- Teamwork and Communication: Working collaboratively, both within the university and with external partners, is crucial for success.
- Innovation and Problem-Solving: RASC-AL challenges students to develop creative solutions to complex aerospace engineering problems.
Read also: Paying for Columbia
tags: #columbia #university #rascal #history
