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We have to fly less. And make flying climate-neutral.

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The women of Aerospace Engineering

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Watch our Sustainable Aviation virtual lab tour video

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Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

News

From powder to product: new TU Delft lab covers entire 3D printing process

Advances in aerospace and energy transition require materials that meet ever-increasing demands. Such as extreme environments, high pressures or temperatures. In TU Delft's Materials for Additive Manufacturing lab, researchers can now explore new materials and process them into products and components for extreme conditions. This unique lab was opened on 30 November.

Researchers call for Dutch leading role in global methane monitoring

At COP28 in Dubai, countries want to reach new agreements to reduce emissions. This requires the identification of emission sources. The Netherlands has extensive experience with satellites that monitor methane emissions. Researchers from SRON, KNMI, TNO and TU Delft see huge methane plumes over landfills and fossil fuel extraction with their current space instrument TROPOMI.

BlueSky community celebrates 10th anniversary with symposium and workshop

To mark the 10th anniversary of the BlueSky community, Jacco Hoekstra, Professor of Communication, Navigation and Air Traffic Management, and Assistant Professor Joost Ellerbroek organised a workshop in Wassenaar on 8 and 9 November. In ten years, the network has grown from a local initiative to a global 'Wikipedia of air traffic simulations'.

Irene Dedoussi co-author in Science paper: "Mortality risk from United States coal electricity generation"

Associate Professor of the Atmospheric Impacts of Aviation, Irene Dedoussi, is co-author of a paper published in Science on 23 November 2023. In the paper researchers from among others George Mason University in Virginia, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the University of Texas at Austin and TU Delft describe the link between emissions of coal fired power plants in the US, the pollution they result in in the atmosphere and the effects on public health.

The Delft Satellite Delfi-C3 Has Come to Its End

Last night, probably between 21:00 and 22:00 CET, the nanosatellite Delfi-C3 reached the end of its life at the age of 15. The Delfi-C3, the first satellite built by students, burned up in the atmosphere. In 2006, the small satellite was built by scientists from TU Delft, along with a group of about 60 students. It was launched from India in 2008. Since then, it has orbited the Earth more than 85,000 times, traveling approximately 3.7 billion kilometers.

Irene Dedoussi Fellow of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering

Associate Professor of Atmospheric Impacts of Aviation, Dr Irene Dedoussi, has been elected a Fellow of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering (NAE). This makes her a member of a 'select group of distinguished professionals who stand out for their outstanding achievements in the engineering domain, the high impact of their work, and their inspiring leadership in the context of the major societal transitions facing the Netherlands and the world'. On Monday 13 November, the official inauguration will take place in The Hague. The NAE will then actually launch.

NWO Open Technology Programme funding for Daan Pool and Daniele Ragni

Daan Pool and Daniele Ragni both have received funding from NWO as part of the Open Technology Programme. Dr Ragni received the funding for his research proposal Ampere, which aims to reduce noise generated by aircraft and wind turbines by developing innovative permeable materials. Dr Pool received funding for the project FITS, which aims at developing new touchscreens that correct finger movements, and use tactile feedback to simulate touch.

Sustainable shipping: are auxiliary sails a solution?

TU Delft is launching a new research programme on 31 October to explore the possibilities of wind-assisted propulsion for cargo vessels. The aim is to reduce fuel consumption by 30%.

Cosmic Chaos: a call for space regulation

Satellites that can become as bright as the brightest stars in the sky. It sounds like a sparkling fairy tale, but according to Marco Langbroek, these satellites, launched in 2022, will cause big problems. "Space is now becoming a bit of a wild west where anyone with enough money can do whatever they want. It's time for a sheriff to bring order to the chaos up there." The Nature publication ‘Optical observations find high brightness of the BlueWalker 3 satellite’ was released on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023.

> More news

Stories of Aerospace Engineering

How the aviation industry can leave behind fewer climatic trails

It is widely known that aircraft with their CO₂ emissions contribute to climate change, however less attention is paid to the effects of the condensation trails they leave behind. Those trails have a significant impact on the greenhouse effect. Assistant professor Feijia Yin is investigating how the formation of persistent condensation trails can be better predicted, so that aircraft can avoid areas in which they occur.

'Elderly' first Dutch nanosatellite celebrates fifteenth birthday

She is affectionately referred to as "the old lady". After 15 years in space, she can safely be called very elderly. Few of her peers are still operational at her age. But the old lady is also hard of hearing and barely understandable. This month, the self-proclaimed adventurers who built her, celebrate her birthday but fear it will be her last. Proud father of the very first hour Chris Verhoeven (Faculty of EEMCS) and current caretaker Stefano Speretta (Faculty of AE) describe the Delft nanosatellite Delfi-C3 that exceeded all expectations.

Is there life elsewhere in our solar system?

A grand odyssey of exploration is about to begin. Humankind’s next bold mission to the outer solar system. ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice), is poised to explore giant planet Jupiter and its largest moons. After years of preparations, Juice will be launched into space on April 13 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The mission, in which TU Delft plays a leading role in the experiment PRIDE, is diving into orbit of a moon other than Earth's for the first time. Something the Americans, Japanese and Chinese have never succeeded in doing before.

Mars is not a back-up option

What can planetary science on the bone dry Mars teach us? What happened to its atmosphere? And, are there possible fall-back options for humankind on Earth? In context of the National Climateweek, we spoke with Sebastiaan de Vet, planetary scientist at TU Delft.

Climate neuroscience for aviation

There is a knowledge gap when it comes to how non-CO2 emissions of aviation affect global warming. Jin Maruhashi modeled the global transport patterns of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and then used a neuroscience machine learning algorithm to find patterns in these data. It landed him the award for Best Climate Action Paper of the TU Delft.

The women on a mission to reduce space debris

Over a million objects larger than one centimetre are orbiting the environment around Earth, threatening space operations and the future of space exploration. With their start-up Ecosmic, Gaia Roncalli, Benedetta Cattani and Mireia Leon Dasi are on a mission to tackle the rapidly increasing space debris issue. Roncalli, the recipient of the 2022 International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA) scholarship, and the all-female Ecosmic leadership team are contributing to a sustainable future and inspiring others along the way.

Revolutionary simulation model prevents disasters in space

Over six million kilogrammes of space debris are circling around the Earth at tremendous speed and is posing a danger to the functioning of satellites and thus to things like our data traffic. Mireia Leon Dasi designed a revolutionary simulation model to very precisely predict, and hence prevent, crashes of space debris. This earned her the title of Best Graduate 2022 at the Faculty Aerospace Engineering. Using the NWO subsidy granted to her start-up, she is now further developing her idea for use in practice.

Climate research: the inestimable value of space

Research from space provides us with valuable insights on climate change. Jérôme Loicq, associate professor in Space Instrumentation, researches and develops tools that allow us to accurately study changes in vegetation on Earth and greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. "Space is invaluable for climate research."

Learning to lead as a young woman in aviation

It takes guts to pursue your dreams, but having good role models and mentors can make a difference. These are things that have helped Leanne van Dam, a master’s student at TU Delft’s Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, on her journey to becoming a leader. A recipient of the 2021 International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA) scholarship, she hopes her example will inspire others to follow their dreams.

The success of the Aerospace Innovation Hub: ‘It’s fantastic to see companies take off’

From satellites that are launched into outer space from an aeroplane to predicting ticket prices based on an algorithm: the companies that are part of the Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH) at the TU Delft Campus are developing groundbreaking innovations in the area of aviation and aerospace. Femke Verdegaal, a member of management with shared responsibility for the growth of the initiative, talks about bringing together industry, science, start-ups, and students with the aim of promoting innovation in aviation and aerospace. ‘We really function as a springboard.’

Smart certification for sustainable aviation

Rapid innovation is needed to reach the 2050 sustainability goals for the aviation sector. But rather than a lack of ideas, or the effort needed to bring these to fruition, the main bottleneck in reaching these goals are the existing, very lengthy certification procedures. Three TU Delft professors therefore propose a radically different approach towards certification in aviation.

Floating wind turbines change everything

In order to become climate neutral by 2050, the share of renewable energy generated at sea will need to increase significantly. Floating wind turbines, solar panels and tidal power plants will play a crucial role in this.

> All Stories of AE

Join us for a lab tour

Join us on a virtual lab tour to get to know some of our people and experience the labs they work in.

Faster to carbon-free aviation

Technological roadmap: how to accelerate the path towards carbon-free aviation

December

Online Q&A session Numerus Fixus programmes

September

The 28th Thermodynamics Conference

Calendar

From powder to product: new TU Delft lab covers entire 3D printing process

Advances in aerospace and energy transition require materials that meet ever-increasing demands. Such as extreme environments, high pressures or temperatures. In TU Delft's Materials for Additive Manufacturing lab, researchers can now explore new materials and process them into products and components for extreme conditions. This unique lab was opened on 30 November.

Researchers call for Dutch leading role in global methane monitoring

At COP28 in Dubai, countries want to reach new agreements to reduce emissions. This requires the identification of emission sources. The Netherlands has extensive experience with satellites that monitor methane emissions. Researchers from SRON, KNMI, TNO and TU Delft see huge methane plumes over landfills and fossil fuel extraction with their current space instrument TROPOMI.

BlueSky community celebrates 10th anniversary with symposium and workshop

To mark the 10th anniversary of the BlueSky community, Jacco Hoekstra, Professor of Communication, Navigation and Air Traffic Management, and Assistant Professor Joost Ellerbroek organised a workshop in Wassenaar on 8 and 9 November. In ten years, the network has grown from a local initiative to a global 'Wikipedia of air traffic simulations'.

Irene Dedoussi co-author in Science paper: "Mortality risk from United States coal electricity generation"

Associate Professor of the Atmospheric Impacts of Aviation, Irene Dedoussi, is co-author of a paper published in Science on 23 November 2023. In the paper researchers from among others George Mason University in Virginia, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the University of Texas at Austin and TU Delft describe the link between emissions of coal fired power plants in the US, the pollution they result in in the atmosphere and the effects on public health.

More news

Join us for a lab tour

Join us on a virtual lab tour to get to know some of our people and experience the labs they work in.

Stories of Aerospace Engineering

How the aviation industry can leave behind fewer climatic trails

It is widely known that aircraft with their CO₂ emissions contribute to climate change, however less attention is paid to the effects of the condensation trails they leave behind. Those trails have a significant impact on the greenhouse effect. Assistant professor Feijia Yin is investigating how the formation of persistent condensation trails can be better predicted, so that aircraft can avoid areas in which they occur.

'Elderly' first Dutch nanosatellite celebrates fifteenth birthday

She is affectionately referred to as "the old lady". After 15 years in space, she can safely be called very elderly. Few of her peers are still operational at her age. But the old lady is also hard of hearing and barely understandable. This month, the self-proclaimed adventurers who built her, celebrate her birthday but fear it will be her last. Proud father of the very first hour Chris Verhoeven (Faculty of EEMCS) and current caretaker Stefano Speretta (Faculty of AE) describe the Delft nanosatellite Delfi-C3 that exceeded all expectations.

Is there life elsewhere in our solar system?

A grand odyssey of exploration is about to begin. Humankind’s next bold mission to the outer solar system. ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice), is poised to explore giant planet Jupiter and its largest moons. After years of preparations, Juice will be launched into space on April 13 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The mission, in which TU Delft plays a leading role in the experiment PRIDE, is diving into orbit of a moon other than Earth's for the first time. Something the Americans, Japanese and Chinese have never succeeded in doing before.

Mars is not a back-up option

What can planetary science on the bone dry Mars teach us? What happened to its atmosphere? And, are there possible fall-back options for humankind on Earth? In context of the National Climateweek, we spoke with Sebastiaan de Vet, planetary scientist at TU Delft.

Climate neuroscience for aviation

There is a knowledge gap when it comes to how non-CO2 emissions of aviation affect global warming. Jin Maruhashi modeled the global transport patterns of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and then used a neuroscience machine learning algorithm to find patterns in these data. It landed him the award for Best Climate Action Paper of the TU Delft.

The women on a mission to reduce space debris

Over a million objects larger than one centimetre are orbiting the environment around Earth, threatening space operations and the future of space exploration. With their start-up Ecosmic, Gaia Roncalli, Benedetta Cattani and Mireia Leon Dasi are on a mission to tackle the rapidly increasing space debris issue. Roncalli, the recipient of the 2022 International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA) scholarship, and the all-female Ecosmic leadership team are contributing to a sustainable future and inspiring others along the way.

Revolutionary simulation model prevents disasters in space

Over six million kilogrammes of space debris are circling around the Earth at tremendous speed and is posing a danger to the functioning of satellites and thus to things like our data traffic. Mireia Leon Dasi designed a revolutionary simulation model to very precisely predict, and hence prevent, crashes of space debris. This earned her the title of Best Graduate 2022 at the Faculty Aerospace Engineering. Using the NWO subsidy granted to her start-up, she is now further developing her idea for use in practice.

Climate research: the inestimable value of space

Research from space provides us with valuable insights on climate change. Jérôme Loicq, associate professor in Space Instrumentation, researches and develops tools that allow us to accurately study changes in vegetation on Earth and greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. "Space is invaluable for climate research."

Learning to lead as a young woman in aviation

It takes guts to pursue your dreams, but having good role models and mentors can make a difference. These are things that have helped Leanne van Dam, a master’s student at TU Delft’s Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, on her journey to becoming a leader. A recipient of the 2021 International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA) scholarship, she hopes her example will inspire others to follow their dreams.

The success of the Aerospace Innovation Hub: ‘It’s fantastic to see companies take off’

From satellites that are launched into outer space from an aeroplane to predicting ticket prices based on an algorithm: the companies that are part of the Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH) at the TU Delft Campus are developing groundbreaking innovations in the area of aviation and aerospace. Femke Verdegaal, a member of management with shared responsibility for the growth of the initiative, talks about bringing together industry, science, start-ups, and students with the aim of promoting innovation in aviation and aerospace. ‘We really function as a springboard.’

Smart certification for sustainable aviation

Rapid innovation is needed to reach the 2050 sustainability goals for the aviation sector. But rather than a lack of ideas, or the effort needed to bring these to fruition, the main bottleneck in reaching these goals are the existing, very lengthy certification procedures. Three TU Delft professors therefore propose a radically different approach towards certification in aviation.

Floating wind turbines change everything

In order to become climate neutral by 2050, the share of renewable energy generated at sea will need to increase significantly. Floating wind turbines, solar panels and tidal power plants will play a crucial role in this.

> All Stories of AE

December

Online Q&A session Numerus Fixus programmes

September

The 28th Thermodynamics Conference

Calendar

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