UAH Electric Propulsion Club Secures Top Award at AIAA Conference, Elevating Huntsville’s Aerospace Innovation

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (July 16, 2025) – The Electric Propulsion Club at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has once again proven its excellence by clinching first place at the 2025 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Region II Student Conference in Raleigh, N.C. This prestigious accolade celebrates the club’s groundbreaking development of a patent-pending gridded ion thruster, a cutting-edge electric propulsion technology that generates thrust by accelerating positive ions with electricity. This triumph not only underscores UAH’s leadership in aerospace engineering but also reinforces Huntsville’s reputation as a global hub for space innovation and research.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville, a cornerstone of academic excellence in the heart of Alabama’s “Rocket City,” is renowned for its top-tier engineering programs, particularly in aerospace and mechanical engineering. UAH’s College of Engineering consistently ranks among the nation’s best, offering students unparalleled opportunities to engage in hands-on research, collaborate with industry leaders, and contribute to transformative technologies. With state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty, and strong ties to Huntsville’s thriving aerospace ecosystem—including NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and leading companies like Blue Origin—UAH empowers students to push the boundaries of innovation and shape the future of space exploration.

“This award is for the STARGATE project team,” says Claude Blue, a rising senior in aerospace engineering, research lead, and president of the UAH Electric Propulsion Club, part of The University of Alabama System. “The award was for our presentation and our research with our thruster development, in which we listed improved design philosophy, updated features, design lineage, motivation, mistakes, low pressure testing results, plans for upcoming high vacuum test and future goals.”

A Competitive Showcase of Aerospace Excellence

The AIAA conference, hosted by the world’s largest technical society dedicated to aerospace, brings together top engineering talent from across the globe. Student teams present their research to a panel of three industry judges who evaluate based on content, delivery, cohesion, and real-world applicability. “When your presentation is done, the judges ask difficult questions and judge you by your response,” Blue explains. “I think every engineering-focused university in the AIAA Region II presented at the conference. The teams category is one of the most competitive categories at the AIAA student conference, and this year we competed with around 70 teams. These are lessons you carry with you across your entire future career, and make you much more prepared as a research engineer.”

With over 30,000 members from 91 countries and 95 corporate partners, the AIAA, formed in 1963 through the merger of the American Rocket Society and the American Interplanetary Society, represents more than 80 years of aerospace leadership. UAH’s victory at this high-profile event showcases the exceptional talent nurtured within its engineering programs and Huntsville’s dynamic academic and research ecosystem.

UAH: A Powerhouse for Aerospace Innovation

“UAH is widely known and respected in the industry and one of the best universities because of what you can do here,” Blue notes. “It's possible to start your research group as an undergrad, find lab space and an advisor, get funding to pursue your ideas, pursue a patent when you have a good idea and have support across the department and faculty to see you succeed.”

UAH’s engineering programs are a driving force behind its stellar reputation. The College of Engineering offers a robust curriculum that blends rigorous academics with real-world applications, preparing students for leadership roles in aerospace, defense, and technology sectors. UAH’s unique position in Huntsville, a city synonymous with space exploration, provides students with unmatched access to internships, mentorships, and collaborative projects with industry giants. The university’s commitment to undergraduate research is particularly noteworthy, allowing students like Blue to lead pioneering projects such as the STARGATE thruster while still in their early academic years. This hands-on approach, combined with UAH’s cutting-edge facilities and supportive faculty, fosters an environment where innovation thrives.

The STARGATE project, led by Blue and co-presented with Jeffrey King, a former Navy nuclear engineer, builds on UAH’s legacy of excellence, having previously won the same AIAA award in 2021 under the guidance of Joseph Hayes, an aerospace engineer and current graduate student. The project received critical support from the Alabama Space Grant Consortium, UAH’s College of Science, Physics Department, Office of Technology Commercialization, and industry leader Blue Origin. Dr. Themistoklis Chronis, a UAH clinical assistant professor of physics and astronomy, served as the team’s Principal Investigator, with additional support from Jon Buckley, UAH’s machine shop director.

Why Undergraduate Research at UAH Matters for Huntsville’s Future

“I feel proud of this university for everything it allowed us to do, for everyone here and their accomplishments, and for all the people in support of us,” Blue says. “I believe undergraduate research is important because it gives valuable lessons in inevitable failure. It is not about the results or outcome of your project, although that is also very important, or to out-do your peers in competing for opportunities, but gaining the experience of knowing why it's important to check your math twice, how to handle internal and external discourse, and how to deal with failure and use it to pave ways for future success.

“I came to UAH because I chose an environment rich in opportunities. There is no gap at all in terms of our skill abilities or how well we are trained.”

Huntsville and UAH: Shaping the Future of Aerospace

UAH’s Electric Propulsion Club’s success at the AIAA conference is a testament to the university’s exceptional engineering programs and its role as a catalyst for Huntsville’s aerospace industry. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and resilience, UAH is producing the next generation of engineers who will continue to elevate Huntsville’s status as a global leader in space technology. The university’s commitment to excellence ensures that students are not only well-prepared for their careers but also equipped to make meaningful contributions to the world of aerospace.

For more information on UAH’s world-class engineering programs and their impact on Huntsville’s aerospace sector, stay tuned to the Huntsville Commerce Report for the latest local business and innovation news.