The way humanity explores and exploits space has dramatically changed in recent years. The commercialization of space travel now allows successful, innovative entrepreneurs to compete with the advances of government programs and agencies. Moreover, humanity is on the cusp of establishing a permanent and sustainable lunar settlement, which will become a paving ground for sending humans to Mars. Building on Cornell’s legacy of spacecraft innovation, exploration, systems engineering and entrepreneurship, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this new space ecosystem.
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714
Hours that astronaut and Cornell Engineering alumnus George David Low ’80 logged in space.
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3,700,000,000
Miles from Earth was Voyager 1 when it photographed the planet as a “pale blue dot,” as Cornell astronomer Carl Sagan coined it.
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2.5
Grams is the weight of each Sprite Chipsat, the world’s smallest free-flying satellites, developed at Cornell and deployed in orbit.
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18,000
Antennae at Jicamarca Observatory, a radar system that monitors space weather and is directed by engineering professor David Hysell.
Latest News
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![Light Sail team]()
Cornell light sail to deploy on International Space Station
A light sail, which uses the momentum of sunlight to travel through space and could one day propel small spacecraft through interstellar realms, is headed to the International Space Station for testing on behalf of Cornell’s Space Systems Design Studio.
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Sophomore twins and space enthusiasts reach for the stars
Identical twins Ashley and Verena Padres ’26 fell in love with the idea of space exploration and working together at an early age – now they employ and enjoy that spirit of curiosity and collaboration at Cornell.
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Hybrid system would create new ‘backbone’ for internet in space
A new NATO-funded effort led by assistant professor Greg Falco ’10 seeks to make the internet less vulnerable to disruption by rerouting its flow of information to space.
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Select Programs
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Mechanical Engineering
Involves the design and analysis of machines, engines, and systems. Perfect for those fascinated by motion, energy, and innovative mechanical solutions.
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Aerospace Engineering
Involves designing and testing aircraft and spacecraft. It’s ideal for those excited by flight, space exploration, and advancing technologies in propulsion and aerodynamics.
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Electrical and Computer Engineering
Focuses on developing electrical systems, from circuits to computers. Great for those interested in hardware, software, and advancing technology.
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Systems Engineering
Focuses on designing and managing complex systems. Ideal for those interested in coordinating processes to create efficient, scalable solutions for global challenges.