NASA scientist looks into space

A leading NASA scientist and The University of Queensland’s “rocket man” Professor Allan Paull will speak about the future of high speed flight at a UQ Bright Minds Frontiers in Science event next week. (Wednesday, February 11).

Charlie Cockrell, Aerosciences Manager of Next Generation Launch Vehicle Systems Research and Technology at the NASA Langley Research Center will speak on NASA’s space transportation programs.

He will cover an overview of technology programs for future reusable launch vehicle (RLV) systems being pursued by NASA, with an emphasis on vehicle systems technology, which includes airframe structures and materials, aerosciences, aero-propulsion, guidance, navigation and control, subsystems and operations technologies.

Mr Cockrell will also review the current status of hypersonic flight demonstrator programs.

Professor Paull’s presentation will describe some of the experiences encountered when his team in 2002 successfully launched the world’s first experimental flight of an air-breathing supersonic ramjet engine (scramjet).

He will discuss plans for future flights as the HyShot™ program soars into the next phase.

Entry to the event, to be held in the Queensland Biosience Precinct auditorium at the University’s St Lucia campus from 4.30pm to 7pm, will cost $15 for adults and $10 for students.

For more information: Visit the Bright Minds website www.brightminds.uq.edu.au/frontiers or contact Ann Meiklejohn (07 3365 6636, email a.meiklejohn@uq.edu.au).