Innovation in Aerospace
Inspiring engineers of the future though student competitions
StrathAIS is dedicated to the pursuit of aerospace innovation at the University of Strathclyde.
The Strathclyde Aerospace Innovation Society is the University's largest aerospace society. Our focus is on entering international competitions in the fields of rocketry, aviation and space where our members can gain practical and technical experience plus so much more.
In 2019, our inaugural year, we attracted nearly 70 active members with different interests, backgrounds and skills. From designing a fully functional lunar base camp to the aerodynamics of a spaceplane, we have something for everyone who is passionate about aerospace.
Designing the next generation of aerospace technology and missions
2023-24 StrathAIS Projects
STRATHcube
Our flagship project, STRATHcube is a student-led CubeSat development Project which encourages the sustainable usage of space. The aim of the satellite is to track space debris in-orbit using a novel antenna and to analyse fragmentation during re-entry. This year we have a junior STRATHcube team running alongside our Matsers project to produce a prototype CubeSat and support the STRATHcube team with development and research.
Spaceport America Cup 2024
We are once again entering into the largest student Rocketry competition in the world- Spaceport America! Our second year was very successful and we are excited to apply everything we’ve learnt to improve our design and enter our best rocket yet.
2022-23 StrathAIS Projects
STRATHcube
Our flagship project, STRATHcube is a student-led CubeSat development Project which encourages the sustainable usage of space. The aim of the satellite is to track space debris in-orbit using a novel antenna and to analyse fragmentation during re-entry. This year we have a junior STRATHcube team running alongside our Matsers project to produce a prototype CubeSat and support the STRATHcube team with development and research.
Spaceport America Cup 2023
After a successful first year competing in the Spaceport America Cup 2022, we are maintaining our momentum and re-entering this year for 2023! Our team are designing a rocket to launch to 10,000ft this year at the World’s largest Student Rocket Competition!
2021-22 StrathAIS Projects
STRATHcube
Our flagship project, STRATHcube is a student-led CubeSat development which encourages the sustainable usage of space. The aim of the satellite is to track space debris in-orbit using a novel antenna and to analyse fragmentation during re-entry.
Spaceport America Cup 2022
Our first practical build project, a team of 18 StrathAIS members built and launched their rocket “Strathosphere” to 10,000ft at the ESRA/IREC Spaceport America Cup 2022 in New Mexico, USA. The Spaceport America Cup is the worlds largest intercollegiate rocketry competition with 99 teams participating in 2022. Strathosphere is a student built composite rocket structure utilising a Cesaroni M3400-WT rocket motor.
UKSEDS Satellite Design Competition 2021-22
StrathAIS’ UKSEDS team are building a 3U CubeSat to compete in this years UKSEDS Satellite Design Competition. The mission brief was an imitation space debris collection mission; the CubeSat’s purpose was to use computer vision technology to identify an object suspended in front of it, orient itself using an Attitude and Orbit Control Subsystem (AOCS) and then grab it using its multi degree-of-freedom robotic arm. The competition required a diverse set of technical skills in coding, CAD modelling, system integration and satellite manufacture.
RAeS International Light Aircraft Design Competition 2021-22.
Our aviation team are entering the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Light Aircraft Design Competition to design an aircraft using X-Plane 11’s simulation tools to provide a sustainable solution to deliver essential medical and food supplies during humanitarian missions to areas with low accessibility.
2020-21 StrathAIS Projects
Dassault Systèmes Sustainable Aviation Competition
A team of 6 StrathAIS members, ranging from 2nd to 5th year, created the 'Organ Droner', an aircraft which quickly and autonomously transports organs for emergency operations, as part of the Dassault Systemes Sustainable Aviation competition. The team placed 2nd overall for their design, fending off stiff competition from Universities across the UK and Ireland - a great achievement!
Saber Astronautics: Quest for Blue
From developing nowcasting capabilities for efficient offshore wind asset management to tracking plastic pollution in some of the world's most polluted rivers, StrathAIS members submitted 3 different business proposals to Saber Astronautics: The Quest for Blue. The competition focused on solving real-world problems with the use of innovative satellite applications, while also developing concepts into a feasible, costed business plan. Incredibly, all 3 StrathAIS entries were of the 5 awarded a prize from 250 entries internationally, including the outright winners!
UKSEDS Satellite Design Completion
A team of 13 StrathAIS members have entered the UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space Satellite Design Competition, which challenges students to develop a simplified “CubeSat” in a simulated “lunar environment”. The challenge includes hands-on building and testing as well as design work. Senior STRATHcube and StrathAIS members are delivering interactive workshops in parallel with the SDC activities, such that the SDC team can significantly contribute to the STRATHcube initiative and become its future leaders.
Check out our UKSEDS competition blog post!
AIAA Undergraduate Design Competitions
Two StrathAIS teams are entering the undergraduate design competitions held by the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics. The first are entering the Space Systems Design competition, which challenges teams to design a Mars Ice Core Sample Return Mission. The second are entering the Aircraft Design Competition to design a Light Attack Aircraft.
IGLUNA | PowerHab
A team of 10 StrathAIS members, ranging from 1st to 5th year, are assisting in designing elements of a lunar habitat power system for the IGLUNA 2021 competition, sponsored by the Swiss Space Agency and ESA. The StrathAIS team are supporting the PowerHab team, comprised of 8 MEng students, and have the responsibility of developing: a renewable energy electric microgrid for energy distribution; a regenerative hydrogen fuel cell for energy storage and solar photovoltaic arrays; and piezo electric kinetic flooring for energy generation.
