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Lassonde (LE) – Space Engineering

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Location: 102 Petrie, 416-736-5245
Interim Chair: R.S.K. Lee
Distinguished Research Professors: G.G. Shepherd
Professors: Q. Cheng, G.T. Jarvis, C. Haas, J. Kozinski, I.C. McDade, T. McElroy, S.D. Pagiatakis, M. Shoukri, P.A. Taylor, J.A. Whiteway, Z.H. Zhu
Professors Emeriti: K.D. Aldridge, J.R. Miller, G.G. Shepherd, D. Smylie
Associate Professors: C. Armenakis, S. Bisnath, M. Daly, B. Hu, M.A. Jenkins, G.P. Klaassen, R.S.K. Lee, B.M. Quine, J. Shan, G. Sohn, A.M.K. Szeto, G. Vukovich
Assistant Professors: Y. Chen, J. Moores
Associate Lecturers: H. Chesser, J.G. Wang

Offered by the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, Space engineering is a discipline focused on the exploration and utilisation of the space resource for the benefit of humanity.  Space engineers are responsible for pushing the frontiers of what is technologically feasible. Based on a framework of applied mathematics, physics and astronomy, and computer science space engineers gain a specialist training in the design, development and operation of the high reliability mechatronic systems used in space flight. Space Engineers acquire skills in system design, fabrication, and integration of satellite communication systems.  remote sensing instrumentation, and, scientific payloads.  They are well versed in the design and management of complex hardware and data systems and have an understanding of the legal and entrepreneurial aspects of space engineering.

Space engineering combines skills in mechanical and electrical engineering and adapts them for space use. Space engineers benefit from links to other discipline strengths at York including geomatics engineering, computer engineering and space science programs also offered by LSE. Space engineers develop and sustain space-based information systems that support the knowledge economy including global navigation, digital media and communications, weather forecasting and disaster prediction. They are responsible for the production of the rockets and space vehicles that allow humans to access space. Space engineering is also concerned with the development of space technology to improve our knowledge of the solid Earth, oceans and atmosphere and of the evolution of our planetary system and universe.  Probing the Earth and its atmosphere from space provides an efficient, cost-effective and rapid approach to discovering and mapping natural resources and understanding climate system behaviour globally.

Space engineering faculty are engaged actively in the support of current space missions and in the development of new space technologies. York engineering researchers assist in the development and operation of Argus, an award winning miniature spectrometer in flight onboard the Canx-2 nanosatellite that observes infrared features in the atmosphere that indicate carbon dioxide concentration. Faculty members also support the development of remote sensing instrumentation for the exploration of Mars in collaboration with NASA. Members engage in a wide variety of research projects including the development of technologies including pneumatically supported space elevators, nanosatellite systems, gossamer solar sails and the active control of formations of spacecraft. Student members may also participate in a range of extracurricular engineering design activities including the student Mars rover team that has secured first place in recent international competitions.