Research Topics

Below is a list of research topics supported by the AFRL Scholars Professionals program. You may apply for one (1) topic on an application per site.

Use the filters and keyword search below to find research topics of interest.


Scholars are encouraged to contact any mentors whose projects they find of interest. To contact the mentor, use the link included at the conclusion of each project description.

Development of novel space weather detector
Mentor: Ryan Hoffmann, Space Vehicles
Location: Kirtland
Academic Level: Master's

There is an urgent need to develop low SWaP (size, weight, and power) instrumentation to characterize the total flux and energy distribution of electrons present in the space environment. The electron flux and energy distribution vary widely over time and is responsible for most spacecraft anomalies. However, the current state-of-the-art relies on instrumentation that is bulky and power hungry, making it unsuitable for today's space architecture that relies on small satellite constellations. A successful candidate will use the facilities available in the Spacecraft Charging and instrument calibration lab to to develop the proposed sensing technology to a TRL 4.


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