Ohio State Team Wins NASA Challenge with Innovative Space Design

A team of students from The Ohio State University has been awarded first place in NASA Glenn Research Center’s 2025-2026 University Student Design Challenge. Their winning project focuses on an innovative design aimed at effectively managing fluids in space. This achievement positions the team to create a working prototype as part of their senior capstone project during the upcoming academic year.

On June 23, 2025, the winning team visited NASA Glenn in Cleveland, where they presented their design to center leadership. The visit included a tour of the Zero Gravity Research Facility, which could serve as a testing ground for their project in the future. The University Student Design Challenge encourages college students to devise solutions that address NASA’s mission needs, incorporating both aeronautics and space-themed projects.

NASA Glenn engineers Nancy Hall and John McQuillan played integral roles as mentors and technical advisors during the USDC SPACE I design challenge. Their guidance supported the students in developing their innovative concept, which highlights the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and leading aerospace organizations.

The challenge not only fosters creativity but also prepares students for real-world applications in the aerospace sector. By engaging with professionals at NASA, participants gain valuable insights and experience that could influence their future careers.

NASA’s commitment to education and outreach extends beyond this competition. The agency offers numerous STEM opportunities aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

As the Ohio State team embarks on their project, their success serves as a testament to the potential of student-led initiatives in advancing space technology and addressing critical challenges in fluid management in microgravity environments. The collaboration between students and NASA exemplifies the shared mission of pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration and innovation.