The Project: This project optimized the "sweet spot" trade-off between launch costs and environmental sustainability for satellite constellation deployment.

Key Takeaways:

• The optimization model found that switching from traditional kerosene-based propellants to liquid methane/oxygen could reduce carbon-based emissions by up to 25% per launch

• Through genetic algorithms, the project identified a "knee" in the curve where a 15% increase in launch cost could yield a 40% reduction in high-altitude NOx emissions

• An analysis of 11 different heat shield materials (from carbon fiber CMCs to titanium multiwall) found lighter materials like LI-900 offer better cost-per-kg efficiency for low-orbit deployments

Technical Toolkit:

• Optimization: Genetic algorithms, design of experiments, and Pareto front analyses

• Modular modeling: Multi-disciplinary system architecture (propulsion, aerostructures, and emissions modules)

Teammates: Asha Jain, Maranda Cherry, Justin Poh