JUCI university partners have supported JPL challenges from a wide variety of JPL disciplines, and the types of challenges have varied broadly. Challenges include, but are not limited to: technology maturation, data analysis, software development, mission concept development, electrical ground support equipment development and integration, research and analysis, and technology flight demonstration. Click a link below to expand a section on a selected previous challenge.
 
Description: CSULA – Modeling, simulation, and wind tunnel experiments to optimize Venus Wind Turbine design. JPL: Dr. Jonathan Sauder Image Credit: Dr. Michael Thorburn, California State University, Los Angeles |
 
Description: CU Boulder – Design, build and test a prototype half-meter boom for deployment of a reflectarray antenna feed from 2U volume. JPL: Mieszko Salamon and Dr. Jonathan Sauder Image Credit: Dr. Daria Kotys-Schwartz, University of Colorado Boulder (additional credit to Dr. Julie Steinbrenner, Co-Program Director and Dr. Chip Bollendonk, Project Director) |
Description: University of Buffalo – Designed and developed a multifunctional unmanned aerial-terrestrial vehicle for extra-planetary exploration. Won the 2019 National ASME Old Guard Competition, and the award for best technical work at the ASME E-FEST. In addition, the team went on to win the International Old Guard Competition as well. JPL: Dr. Ali Agha Image Credit: Dr. Javid Bayandor |
 
Description: CSULA – Built and demonstrated a spectral flattener for the Palomar Radial Velocity Instrument (PARVI) frequency comb. JPL: Dr. Stephanie Leifer Image Credit: Dr. Michael Thorburn, California State University, Los Angeles |
Description: UC Merced – Engineering students spent a semester working to recreate the flame-retardant material known as "Starlite.“ The project was reported on in the Valley Public Radio News. JPL: Thomas Peev Image Credit: Kerry Klein, Valley Public Radio |
Description: Northeastern University – Designed, prototyped, and tested a CubeSat self-inspect camera system. JPL: Thomas DiSarro Image Credit: Dr. Andrew Gouldstone, Northeastern University |
 
Description: Northeastern University – Designed, prototyped and tested a CubeSat actuator and a heat rejection system. JPL: Thomas DiSarro Image Credit: Dr. Andrew Gouldstone, Northeastern University |
Description: University of Nebraska – New robotic/mobility architectures using a flexible substrate; Low-cost air bearing; Development of super coiled polymer actuators - Led to a successful proposal through the Nebraska Space Grant JPL: Evan Hilgemann Image Credit: Evan Hilgemann, Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
| Description: During 2018 and 2019, Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) has contributed to 3 challenges from JUCI, and 3 more are planned for 2019-2020. These challenges provided motivation for collaborative undergraduate research within engineering and science programs at CPP. The projects collected groups of motivated students and faculty to dive into the world of space technology and concepts and opened doors of external collaborations with NASA JPL for future research projects. It has created a culture of multidisciplinary collaboration within CPP. JUCI projects are innovative, engaging, and provided mentorship opportunities. The experiences and process taught students how JPL works around challenges and design complex systems
JPL: Dr. Navid Nakhjiri |