Meredith Fitzpatrick, a master’s candidate in aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, earned a $2,000 prize for her research paper at the 15th Annual American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Conference on Small Satellites.
While at the conference, Fitzpatrick participated in the Ninth Annual International Student Paper Competition. The competition was judged on a paper and a presentation. The overall score was based 75% on the paper, and 25% on the presentation. Fitzpatrick submitted a paper she had written last spring as an undergraduate in her space mission design class. She received fourth place out 12 entrants for her work.The subject of her paper was using a student-built satellite to test the atmospheric density of the Earth, and to test the ability of an electro-dynamic space tether to change the altitude of the satellite.
“Winning the award was exciting for me because it validated all of my hard work and allowed me to form connections with very knowledgeable people who are interested in the issues addressed by my project,” said Fitzpatrick. “This was an eye-opening experience for me, and it is great motivation for future endeavors.”
Fitzpatrick recently graduated from UT with a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering.
With more than 31,00 members, AIAA is the world’s largest professional society devoted to the progress of engineering and science in aviation, space and defense. It was formed in 1963 with the mission to “advance the arts, sciences and technology of aeronautics and astronautics, and to promote the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits.”
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