Inflatable, Solar-Powered Plane Takes Off in Toronto
Toronto-based company, Solar Ship, has built and flown the first solar-powered aircraft that has the potential to hold heavy cargo for a distance of 1,000 km per day. “Caracal,” named after the African cat, runs on solar power generated from the photovoltaic (PV) panels on its wings. The company said the aircraft is perfectly suited […]
Engineering Professor Named Canada Research Chair
University of Toronto Engineering Professor Prasanth Nair (UTIAS) has been awarded the Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Computational Modeling and Design Optimization Under Uncertainty . The prestigious honour recognizes Professor Nair’s research excellence, which involves developing the next generation of computational methods for improving the performance and safety of complex engineering systems. His work will concentrate on ways […]
U of T Engineer Reflects on the End of NASA Shuttle Program
Professor Chris Damaren, of the University of Toronto Institute of Aerospace Studies (UTIAS), offers insight into what the future of space exploration may look like as the famed NASA shuttle program comes to an end. The Engineer, who also serves as Vice Dean, Graduate Studies, discusses the future of manned space travel in North America […]
Engineering Professor Recognized for Green Research
Demand for air travel is projected to rise roughly 5%, a figure that could mean disastrous results for the environment. Professor David Zingg, Director of the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS), is doing his part to make the field of aviation more environmentally friendly. The U of T Engineer, who is also […]
U of T’s Institute for Aerospace Studies Highlighted in University Affairs Magazine
The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) was featured in the latest issue of University Affairs Magazine for its contributions to the field of space exploration. Forty-one years ago, four professors from (UTIAS) were contacted to help do the impossible: an explosion had crippled an Apollo 13 spacecraft and their expertise was needed […]
U of T Engineering Team Pedals Its Way to Five Trophies at Indianapolis Speedway
Designing a speedy aerodynamic human-powered vehicle is one thing. But, building one that will also hold the groceries, tackle speed bumps and quickly stop and start at intersections requires a whole new approach to engineering. That’s what a team of U of T Engineering students was able to accomplish in early May, earning first place […]
Mini-Satellites Paying Off for U of T Flight Lab
The University of Toronto is hoping to cash in on the growing demand for micro-space technology by selling more of the small satellites it makes at its flight laboratory. The mini-satellites – the size of a suitcase or even smaller – have already been sold to countries such as Norway, Australia and Poland. They start at […]
Space Agency, DND Seek to Launch Rockets for Canada
Canada has the technological ability to build its own rocket to launch small satellites, which is a top priority for future research at the Defence Department and a capability being studied at the Canadian Space Agency. Canada now relies on other countries—such as the United States, India and Russia—to launch its spacecraft into orbit, but […]
“Snowbird” Ornithopter is a Top 10 Toronto Viral Video of the Year
Engineering’s biggest story of 2010 may well have been that of the “Snowbird” human-powered ornithopter, piloted by EngSci alumnus and UTIAS doctoral candidate Todd Reichert, with Professor Emeritus James DeLaurier acting as faculty advisor. The aircraft with flapping wings, a project of the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, flew for 19.3 seconds during […]
