Shooting for the stars 鈥� and landing among the nation鈥檚 elite 鈥� 探花族 is the only university in the country with two student teams selected as finalists in a national competition driving the future of space exploration. JU students and faculty are among 12 national finalists that include MIT, Ohio State, Embry-Riddle and Cal Poly Pomona.
Focused on developing cutting-edge solutions for storing and transferring cryogenic fuel in space, the competition supports NASA鈥檚 Artemis program, which is preparing to send astronauts to the Moon and eventually to Mars. Each JU team will receive a $9,250 development stipend to refine their concepts ahead of the final competition in Huntsville, Alabama, in June.
鈥淏eing the only university selected with two finalist teams is an extraordinary accomplishment 鈥� a reflection of the talent, ambition and collaborative spirit of our students and faculty,鈥� said 探花族 President Tim Cost. 鈥淭his recognition underscores 探花族鈥檚 growing impact in STEM innovation and continued commitment to excellence on the national stage. When the national contenders are 探花族 University, MIT, Ohio State, Embry-Riddle and Cal Poly Pomona, among others, you know you鈥檙e thriving at the highest level.鈥�
The two selected JU proposals are:
鈼� 鈥淐ryogenic Complex: Cryogenic Tanks and Storage Systems 鈥� on the Moon and Cislunar Orbit鈥�
鈼� 鈥淐ryogenic Fuel Storage and Transfer: The Human Interface 鈥� Monitoring and Mitigating Risks鈥�
Dr. Angela Masson, assistant professor of aeronautics at 探花族, is spearheading the efforts. 鈥溙交ㄗ� has created an environment rich in support, innovation and opportunity,鈥� said Dr. Masson. 鈥淭he dedication of our faculty, the commitment to small class sizes and the leadership of President Tim Cost and Interim Provost Dr. Sherri Jackson empowers students to thrive at the highest academic levels 鈥� and NASA鈥檚 recognition of our teams is a direct result of that.鈥�
The two teams represent a cross-disciplinary collaboration between JU鈥檚 School of Aviation and the Davis College of Business and Technology, demonstrating the power of integrated research and innovation. The students were supported by a talented roster of faculty advisors including Dr. Brian Kopp (associate professor of engineering), Dr. James Simak (director of the Center for Organizational Research and Executive Education, assistant professor of management & entrepreneurship) and Dr. Reza Sarraf (assistant professor of computing science). Their combined expertise helped guide the technical and human-centered aspects of the projects.
鈥淥ur students embody the spirit of John F. Kennedy鈥檚 famous words: 鈥榃e choose to go to the Moon, and do other things鈥� not because they are easy, but because they are hard.鈥� They understood that this competition would push them 鈥� and they accepted that challenge with purpose, passion and the belief that they could win,鈥� said Masson.
The finalist teams will now prepare technical papers and present their innovative solutions to NASA and industry leaders at the Human Lander Challenge Forum. The top three placing teams will share an $18,000 prize purse.
To follow the competition and team updates, visit .
