For a group of dedicated student engineers, the week of April 13, 2026, marked the culmination of months of rigorous work, creative problem-solving, and scientific inquiry. The Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC), managed by Parallax Advanced Research/The Ohio Aerospace Institute, and NASA’s Glenn Research Center co-hosted a series of Capstone Culminating Events that gave students the opportunity to present their project findings to aerospace professionals — and then walk the halls where real NASA research happens.
The events were the final chapter in the Capstone program, a school yearlong initiative that challenges students to tackle authentic engineering design problems aligned with NASA mission needs. Through the capstone program, students are expected to check in bi-monthly with OSGC and NASA experts to receive technical advice on their design and guidance to complete the project. They then present their findings and data back to these experts, which also helps create a portfolio for future internships and jobs.
The projects the students presented were:
SLOPE – Simulated Lunar Operations
Students designed a 3D-printed non-inflatable wheel for use in low-atmosphere environments. The wheels were tested on dry sand over 6 feet at a 7-degree grade while supporting maximum weight. Evaluation focused on motion generated by traction forces, excluding any propulsion from sand displacement.
Power Management and Distribution
Students designed a solar and battery-powered system to power fans for air circulation. Utilizing a microprocessor, the system had to automatically reroute power at low levels and shut down when both sources were low.
Acoustic Damping
Students created and tested various shapes and patterns of acoustic liners to determine the most effective design that is also permeable to air. They used additive manufacturing to replicate their designs, then tested in a student-built acoustic impedance tube.
Student presenters shared the fruits of their year-long efforts, walking NASA scientists, engineers, and OSGC representatives through their research methods, design decisions, and conclusions. The presentations reflected not just technical skill, but a growing confidence in communicating complex ideas — a hallmark of real-world aerospace work.
What made the week especially memorable was what came after the presentations. Students were treated to guided tours of the NASA Glenn departments most directly connected to their own capstone work, bringing their months of research to life in vivid, tangible ways. NASA Glenn’s main campus at Lewis Field is home to world-class facilities including wind tunnels, drop towers, vacuum chambers, and a research aircraft hangar. For many students, stepping into those spaces was the moment their textbook knowledge transformed into something real.
For the students who spent the week of April 13th presenting, answering tough questions from NASA professionals, and touring facilities at one of the nation’s premier research centers, the message was clear: the future of aerospace is being built — and they are already part of it.
To learn more about the Ohio Space Grant Consortium programs and events, contact Tim Hale, OSGC Program Manager.
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About The Ohio Space Grant Consortium
The Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) was established in 1989 (along with the original Ohio 12-member universities) by the United States Congress and is part of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program known as “Space Grant” administered through the Office of STEM Engagement at NASA Headquarters. There are 52 consortia, one in each state, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Space Grant is a unique national network of colleges and universities working to expand opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in NASA’s aeronautics and space projects by supporting and enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through scholarships, fellowships, higher education, research infrastructure, pre-college (K-12), and informal education public outreach efforts. The Space Grant national network includes over 1,000 affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, and state and local agencies. The OSGC is currently composed of 26 institutions of higher learning (20 universities and 6 community colleges), NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), the Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL), and various education outreach partners. The OSGC Program Office is located at the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) in Cleveland, Ohio.
About Parallax Advanced Research & the Ohio Aerospace Institute
Parallax Advanced Research is an advanced research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements across Ohio and the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace through collaboration, education, and workforce development.